SXSW Dumps Military Sponsors.

SXSW cuts sponsorship ties with U.S. Army and weapons manufacturers, answering calls from protesters

In a bold and progressive move, South by Southwest (SXSW) has announced it is severing ties with the U.S. Army and weapons manufacturers, marking a significant shift in its sponsorship model. The festival's statement was concise and clear:

"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."

This decision comes after passionate protests and artist-led boycotts during the 2024 festival. Speakers and performers stood united in solidarity with Palestinians, refusing to be associated with defense industry contractors and the U.S. Army's sponsorship.

Artists Take a Stand

A powerful coalition of musicians, including Squirrel Flower (aka Ella Williams), Shalom, Mamalarky, TC Superstar, and Eliza McLamb, led the charge against the festival's controversial sponsors. Williams, taking to Instagram, explained her stance:

"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... I am pulling out specifically because of the fact that SXSW is platforming defense contractors including Raytheon subsidiaries as well as the US Army, a main sponsor of the festival."

Eliza McLamb, in a post on the newly rebranded Twitter (X), echoed these sentiments, stating:

"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."

With SXSW 2025 approaching, the festival has listened to the voices of its attendees and artists, prioritizing ethics over sponsorship dollars. While the exact financial contributions from the U.S. Army and weapons manufacturers are unknown, SXSW has sent a clear message: principles and peace come first.

This brave decision sets a precedent for other festivals and events, challenging them to reevaluate their associations and sponsorships. As we move forward, it's essential to recognize the power of artists and activists in driving meaningful change.