The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, a renowned convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture, has become the centre of a significant controversy as numerous artists and speakers withdraw from the event in protest against sponsors linked to Israel’s atrcoties in Gaza.
As per Al Jazeera, the boycott, organized by the Austin for Palestine Coalition, has gained momentum, with over 80 participants pulling out, citing objections to the involvement of weapon manufacturers and agencies associated with the US Department of Defence.
One of the first artists to withdraw was musician Ella Williams, known as Squirrel Flower, who expressed her solidarity with Palestinians and her opposition to SXSW’s ties to the defense industry. In an Instagram post on March 4, Williams stated, “I have decided to pull out of my official SXSW showcases in protest of SXSW’s ties to the defense industry and in support of the Palestinian people.” Her decision marked the beginning of a growing movement that has seen artists, speakers, and performers follow suit.
The boycott has expanded to include prominent figures like labour organiser Chris Smalls and musicians like Buffalo Nichols. Ibrahim Batshon, founder of the BeatStars digital production company, announced that artists associated with his organization would boycott the festival due to the involvement of companies like Raytheon and BAE Systems in this year’s SXSW.
Batshon emphasised the ethical implications, stating, “Both of these companies manufacture and provide weapons to the terrorist state of Israel, which is currently conducting an internationally condemned genocide against an occupied and besieged population of Palestinians.”
Despite facing criticism, SXSW has defended the artists’ right to free speech. In response to Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s rebuke urging dissenters not to attend the festival, SXSW reiterated its respect for artists’ decisions. On social media, the festival stated, “SXSW does not agree with Governor Abbott. We fully respect the decision these artists made to exercise their right to free speech.”
However, SXSW also attempted to justify its ties to the defense industry, highlighting the sector’s role in technological advancements. In a statement, the festival explained, “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.”
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