Artists and speakers protest SXSW festival over defence sponsors, Gaza war
Al Jazeera
At least 80 acts and speakers have dropped out of the Texas event as part of a boycott against US weapons companies.
Dozens of acts scheduled to appear at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in the United States have withdrawn in an act of protest against sponsors with ties to Israel’s war in Gaza.
As of Wednesday, at least 80 artists and panellists have pulled out of the nine-day festival, citing the involvement of several weapons companies and agencies tied to the US Department of Defense, according to the Austin for Palestine Coalition, which helped organise the protest.
The event, billed as a “convergence of tech, film, music education and culture”, is among the most prominent entertainment festivals in the southern US.
Taking place each year in Austin, Texas, the festival has been a launchpad for up-and-coming indie acts and filmmakers since its opening in 1987. This year’s festival will conclude on March 16.
But several artists slated to appear this year have withdrawn, in an effort to show solidarity with the people of Gaza.
