Artists and performers protest SXSW festival over defence sponsors, Gaza war
Dozens of acts scheduled to perform at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in the United States have pulled out in protest against sponsors linked to Israel’s war in Gaza.
As of Wednesday, at least 80 artists and panelists had pulled out of the nine-day festival, according to the Austin for Palestine Coalition, which cited the involvement of several arms companies and agencies affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense, which has sparked protests.
The event, billed as “Tech, Film, Music Education and Culture”, is one of the most prominent entertainment festivals in South America.
Held annually in Austin, Texas, the festival has been a launchpad for up-and-coming indie acts and filmmakers since its inception in 1987. This year’s festival will conclude on March 16.
But in an effort to show solidarity with the people of Gaza, a number of artists who were to exhibit this year have pulled out.
The Austin Coalition for Palestine identified Williams as one of the first nine acts to withdraw as part of the protest.
Ibrahim Batshon, founder of BeatStars digital production company, posted on social media a day later that artists affiliated with his organization would also boycott the festival, which attracted more than 345,000 people last year. He cited the involvement of two companies, Raytheon and BAE Systems, at this year’s SXSW fair.
“Both of these companies manufacture and supply weapons to the terrorist state of Israel, which is currently carrying out an internationally condemned genocide against an occupied and besieged Palestinian population,” Batshan posted.
However, the boycott ballooned to include prominent speakers such as labor union organizer Chris Smalls and musicians such as Buffalo Nichols.
Announcing their withdrawal this week, Northern Ireland hip-hop trio Kneecap highlighted the cost to smaller acts of missing the high-profile event.
At least 31,272 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israeli operations in Gaza as of Wednesday, according to local officials. The fighting has left the enclave on the brink of famine, with rights groups accusing Israel of being slow to deliver humanitarian aid.
US President Joe Biden’s administration has continued to pledge political and material support to Israel despite sharp criticism of its military campaign in recent weeks.
‘Don’t come here’
The growing SXSW boycott efforts, however, drew a rebuke from Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday.
He wrote on social media that we are proud of the US Army in Texas. “If you don’t like it, don’t come here.”
In late February, the Austin Chronicle also reported that SXSW organizers sent a cease-and-desist letter to Austin for the Palestinian Authority because they tried to support the boycott.
