Festival severs Army and defense contractor sponsorships after more than 80 artists withdrew from 2024 edition
By Adrian Horton, The Guardian
South by Southwest has discontinued its partnership with the US Army and the defense contractor RTX Corporation for its 2025 festival in response to concerns from numerous artists who withdrew from the 2024 event, the festival announced on Wednesday.
“After careful consideration, we are revising our sponsorship model,” the festival said in a statement on its website’s FAQ page. “As a result, the US army, and companies who engage in weapons manufacturing, will not be sponsors of SXSW 2025.”
The film, culture and tech festival, held each March in Austin, Texas, will also discontinue its partnership with Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of weapons manufacturer RTX Corporation, formerly known as Raytheon.
Over 80 artists withdrew from the 2024 festival in support of Palestine after Israel’s invasion of Gaza, citing SXSW’s ties to the weapons manufacturer and its sponsorship by the US army.
Recent Posts
Reviving The Peace Movement In The Age Of Trump
Take Action NowFor any peace movement, figuring out how to approach Trump will be like shadowboxing—trying to imagine what position he’s…
Five Days On An Israeli Media Junket Full Of Lies And Propaganda
Take Action NowThe country’s supporters are determined to warp the truth of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.By Alexander…
Trump Is Creating Government By Billionaires, For Billionaires
Take Action NowHistory guarantees that Trump’s billionaires will overreach.By Robert ReichWhat do card sharks,…
The House Is Ready To Pass A “Nonprofit Killer” Bill
Take Action NowDozens of Democrats still support the bill — giving the Republican-controlled House plenty of breathing room to pass it next…