Patrick Djordjevic
Updated: Jun 28, 2024 / 12:27 PM CDT
Close-up of banner with logo for South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, Austin, Texas, March 11, 2023. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
(NewsNation) — The U.S. Army will no longer be a sponsor of the popular South By Southwest (SXSW) conferences and festivals after the entity issued a press release stating its objection to the Army and weapon manufacturer’s actions.
“After careful consideration, we are revising our sponsorship model. As a result, the US Army, and companies who engage in weapons manufacturing, will not be sponsors of SXSW 2025,” the statement read.
It follows pressure after more than 100 artists boycotted this year’s festival due to weapons supplied to Israel, officials told Task and Purpose.
The Army was a “super sponsor” at the 2024 event, and according to the outlet was slated to be a sponsor once again for next March’s iteration.
During this year’s conference, the Department of Defense held several talks and events across the three days.
According to the United Musicians and Allied Workers, 120 artists refused to partake in the festival due to the Department of Defense’s presence, as well as defense contractors such as BAE Systems, Collins Aerospace and Raytheon.
NewsNation has reached out to SXSW for further comment on the decision.
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