SXSW returns for its 2025 edition on March 7-15 in Austin, TX, with registration opening on August 6. Ahead of that, they’ve given an update regarding the sponsorship of next year’s edition. A statement on their support page reads, “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.”
Numerous artists dropped off official SXSW showcases earlier this year in protest of the festival’s ties to defense contractors and weapons manufacturers. Similar protests continued throughout the year with artists cancelling their sets at festivals sponsored by Barclays, including Great Escape, Welcome to Rockville, Latitude, and Download Fest. Barclays eventually pulled their sponsorship from all Live Nation festivals this year.
In a statement made back in March, SXSW wrote that they ” fully respect the decision these artists made to exercise their right to free speech,” continuing, “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.”
“The Army’s sponsorship is part of our commitment to bring forward ideas that shape our world,” their statement earlier this year continued. “In regard to Collins Aerospace, they participated this year as a sponsor of two SXSW Pitch categories, giving entrepreneurs visibility and funding for potentially game-changing work. We have and will continue to support human rights for all. The situation in the Middle East is tragic, and it illuminates the heightened importance of standing together against injustice.”
The ever-charming governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, meanwhile also addressed the artists who pulled out of SXSW in March, writing on social media, “Bands pull out of SXSW over U.S. Army sponsorship. Bye. Don’t come back. Austin remains the HQ for the Army Futures Command. San Antonio is Military City USA. We are proud of the U.S. military in Texas. If you don’t like it, don’t come here.”