South by Southwest is cutting ties with the US Army and weapons makers after sponsorships fueled outrage at this year's festival
SXSW Conference & Festivals
- South by Southwest will cut US Army and arms manufacturer sponsors for its 2025 festival.
- The decision follows over 80 artists pulling out in opposition to Army sponsorship this year.
- Artists cited anti-war sentiment as a reason for withdrawal.
South by Southwest plans to cut US Army and weapon manufacturer sponsors for its 2025 festival after dozens of artists pulled out this year.
"After careful consideration, we are revising our sponsorship model," the organization said in a statement on its website. "As a result, the US Army, and companies who engage in weapons manufacturing, will not be sponsors of SXSW 2025."
South by Southwest did not disclose its reasoning for the removal of these sponsors, but events at this year's festival were likely drivers.
Over 80 artists and speakers dropped out in opposition to SXSW's Army sponsorship of the nine-day festival earlier this year.
Artists who withdrew from the festival shared statements expressing anti-war sentiment and mentioned the United States' contribution to Palestinian casualties in Gaza as a result of providing weapons to Israel.
Some artists also decided to put on local, unofficial performances in Austin, Texas instead of performing at the festival.
Although SXSW acknowledged the artists who backed out, the organization moved forward with the Army sponsorship this year and said in March that its decision to work with the Army was made as a "commitment to bring forward ideas that shape our world."
Army spokesperson, Ellen Lovett, said the Army's involvement in the festival was an opportunity to "meet technology innovators and leaders, explore new ideas and insights, and create dynamic industry partnerships as we modernize for the future."
In addition to the Army, major weapons manufacturers such as BAE Systems, Collins Aerospace, and the RTX Corporation participated in the festival this year.