SXSW drops US Army and weapons manufacturers as sponsors following major artist-led boycott

Following a major boycott of this year's edition of SXSW in Austin, Texas – largely spearheaded by Irish acts – the famous showcase festival has revealed that "the US Army, and companies who engage in weapons manufacturing, will not be sponsors of SXSW 2025."

The statement was recently published on the SXSW website, around the same time that the festival opened applications for its 2025 edition.

Several Irish artists, such as KNEECAP, SPRINTS, Soda Blonde, Gavin James, and Mick Flannery, among others, pulled out of SXSW in March, in protest against the festival's US Army sponsorship, and the participation of prominent defence contractor RTX Corporation in the event. Many of the artists publicly expressed their solidarity with the people of Palestine when announcing that they were pulling out.

Other acts such as NewDad, Gurriers, Chalk, Cardinals, Enola Gay and Reevah stood together in Austin instead of performing, and read out a powerful statement, explaining their actions.

Copyright Ed Murphy.

At the time, SXSW attempted to justify the sponsorship by stating on social media:

"The defense industry has historically been a proving ground for many of the systems we rely on today. These institutions are often leaders in emerging technologies, and we believe it’s better to understand how their approach will impact our lives.

"The Army’s sponsorship is part of our commitment to bring forward ideas that shape our world."

Now, however, the festival has stated that, "after careful consideration", it is "revising" its "sponsorship model."