Dozens of artists and bands have withdrawn from the esteemed South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, in a bold move protesting the event’s sponsorship by the U.S. Army. The decision by these performers comes in the wake of claims by the Austin for Palestine Coalition that the festival’s ties to the U.S. military and certain defense contractors have facilitated the provision of weapons used against Palestinians.
The controversy ignited in February when the coalition publicly urged SXSW to sever its connections with defense companies like Raytheon, Collins Aerospace, and BAE Systems, accusing them of supporting the violent oppression of Palestinian people through the manufacture and supply of military hardware to Israel.
In solidarity with the Palestinian cause, performers such as Squirrel Flower (Ella Williams) and the punk band Scowl announced their departure from the festival lineup. Squirrel Flower, through an Instagram post, condemned the involvement of defense contractors and the U.S. Army in the festival, declaring her refusal to be complicit with what she termed as “genocide profiteers.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded to the artists’ boycott with a staunch message, advising them not to return and emphasizing Texas’s pride in its military presence and affiliations, including the Army Futures Command headquartered in Austin and San Antonio’s designation as “Military City USA.”
SXSW, in a statement, distanced itself from Governor Abbott’s remarks, reiterating its commitment to welcoming diverse viewpoints, including those of performers opting out of the event. The festival highlighted the significance of engaging with leaders in emerging technologies, including military institutions, to better comprehend their impact on society. SXSW affirmed its support for human rights globally, acknowledging the tragic situation in the Middle East as a reminder of the urgency to stand against injustice.
Despite the boycott by several bands, SXSW, which began last Friday, continues until Saturday, boasting over 2,000 scheduled performers. The festival’s commitment to innovation, human rights, and the inclusion of diverse ideas remains central to its mission, even amidst the controversy stirred by its military sponsorship and the resultant artist withdrawals.