In a significant shift, South by Southwest (SXSW), the renowned annual festival celebrating film, culture, and technology, has announced it will sever ties with the US Army and defense contractor RTX Corporation for its 2025 event. The decision follows widespread backlash from artists who boycotted the 2024 festival in solidarity with Palestine, prompting SXSW to revise its sponsorship policies.
In a statement released on Wednesday, SXSW outlined its updated sponsorship model, stating, “After careful consideration, we are revising our sponsorship model. As a result, the US Army, and companies engaged in weapons manufacturing, will not be sponsors of SXSW 2025.”
The controversy erupted when over 80 artists withdrew from the 2024 festival, citing concerns over SXSW’s association with RTX Corporation, a supplier of weapons to the Israeli government, and its sponsorship by the US Army. Chicago-based songwriter Ella Williams, known as Squirrel Flower, spearheaded the boycott, condemning SXSW’s inclusion of entities profiting from warfare. Williams stated, “I don’t believe that a music festival should include profiteers of war — I believe that art is a tool to create a better world and has no place alongside warmongers.”
The US Army, listed as a “super sponsor” for the 2024 SXSW, had planned multiple events, while RTX’s subsidiary Collins Aerospace was set to sponsor two events at SXSW Pitch, a showcase for technology innovations.
RTX Corporation’s chairman, Greg Hayes, had previously acknowledged the company’s financial gains tied to increased US Department of Defence spending linked to conflicts involving Israel, sparking further outcry among artists and activists.
Initially defending its partnerships while acknowledging artists’ rights to boycott, SXSW later shifted its stance amid escalating criticism. The festival stated, “We fully respect the decision these artists made to exercise their right to free speech,” highlighting global humanitarian concerns and the implications of partnering with the defense industry.
The decision marks a significant turn for SXSW, reflecting broader debates over corporate responsibility, artistic integrity, and the influence of the military-industrial complex in cultural events. As preparations for SXSW 2025 unfold, the festival’s revised sponsorship approach signals a proactive response to artist-driven advocacy and societal concerns surrounding global conflict and ethics in corporate sponsorship.
I am an accomplished graduate of Strategic Studies, driven by a fervent dedication to comprehending global affairs and devising impactful strategies. Equipped with a comprehensive skill set encompassing research, critical thinking, and persuasive communication, I possess a distinctive viewpoint and an unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive decision-making processes. As a versatile individual, I excel in collaborating with diverse groups in various settings, leveraging my strong interpersonal abilities to adapt seamlessly to new environments and surmount any challenges that arise. With a passion for contributing to strategic initiatives, I am eager to leverage my expertise and drive to effect positive change within the field.
