SXSW Cuts Ties With Weapons Manufacturers, U.S. Army Ahead of 2025 Festival

After careful consideration, we are revising our sponsorship model. As a result, the US Army and companies who engage in weapons manufacturing will not be sponsors of SXSW 2025. — SXSW Statement, https://support.sxsw.com/hc/en-us/articles/27884440004621-Will-the-US-Army-be-a-sponsor-of-SXSW-2025

South by Southwest (SXSW) has ended its sponsorship deals with weapons manufacturers and the U.S. Army ahead of its 2025 edition, following boycotts from artists and speakers at the 2024 festival.

2024 Boycotts

At SXSW 2024, over 80 artists and speakers boycotted the festival in solidarity with Palestine, protesting its ties to defense contractors and the U.S. Army.

I have decided to pull out of my official SXSW showcases in protest of SXSW’s ties to the defense industry and in support of the Palestinian people...SXSW is platforming defense contractors including Raytheon subsidiaries as well as the US Army, a main sponsor of the festival. — Ella Williams ("Squirrel Flower"), Musician, https://www.instagram.com/sqrrlflwr/p/C4GwcwVu-gp/

I will never put my name on or perform my labor for an event in service of the US war machine, and especially not now as they continue to fuel the ongoing violence against Palestinians. Blood money has no place in music. — Eliza McLamb, Musician, https://twitter.com/elizamclamb/status/1764786457103729044

Impact

While the financial contribution of sponsors like Raytheon (now RTX Corp.) and the U.S. Army is unknown, SXSW's decision signals a response to the artist-led protests and boycotts.

Moving Forward

With its revised sponsorship model, SXSW takes a stand against war profiteering and aligns with the values of its creative attendees and participants.

Original story by Beck Andrew Salgado for the American-Statesman. Contact: Bsalgado@gannett.com