SXSW drops U.S. Army sponsorship after boycott

South by Southwest will no longer partner with the U.S. Army and weapons manufacturing companies after pro-Palestinian boycotts roiled this year's festival.

Why it matters: The decision comes after 80 artists withdrew from the 2024 festival, citing SXSW's ties to defense contractor RTX Corporation and its U.S. Army sponsorship.

What they're saying: "After careful consideration, we are revising our sponsorship model," the event festival's online FAQ reads . "As a result, the US Army, and companies who engage in weapons manufacturing, will not be sponsors of SXSW 2025."

State of play: SXSW brings tens of thousands of visitors to Austin each March for nine days of programming and parties, centered around music, film and technology.

• The 2023 festival generated $380.9 million in spending activity, per an analysis commissioned by SXSW and conducted by Greyhill Advisors, the most recent report available.

Flashback: Ella Williams, whose stage name is Squirrel Flower, was among the musicians who dropped out days before SXSW kicked off.

• "A music festival should not include war profiteers," Williams wrote in an Instagram post . "I refuse to be complicit in this and withdraw my art and labor in protest."

Zoom in: Dozens of other musicians followed suit, and the festival distanced itself from comments made by Gov. Greg Abbott, who responded to the boycotts on X : "Bye. Don't come back."

• "SXSW does not agree with Governor Abbott," SXSW responded .
• Despite the artist pushback, the 2024 schedule still featured U.S. Army panel discussions and interactive events.

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