SXSW Ends Sponsorship of US Military, Weapons Manufacturers

SXSW will no longer engage in partnerships with the U.S. military or weapons manufacturers, the event announced Wednesday (June 26).

“After careful consideration, we are reviewing our sponsorship model,” read a statement on the SXSW website. “As a result, the U.S. military and weapons manufacturing companies will not be sponsors of SXSW 2025.”

The development comes after more than 80 artists and panelists withdrew from the annual music and technology event in Austin, Texas, last March, thanks to sponsorship from the U.S. military and weapons manufacturer Collins Aerospace , based in North Carolina.

Among the artists who boycotted was Irish band Kneecap, who wrote on armament and the American army which, at this very moment. allow genocide and famine against a trapped population.

Today's news is an about-face for SXSW, which initially defended the sponsorships, issuing a statement at the March event that organizers “fully respect the decision made by these artists to exercise their right to freedom of expression. The defense industry has always been a testing ground for many of the systems we rely on today. These institutions are often leaders in emerging technologies, and we believe it is best to understand the impact of their approach on our lives. Sponsoring the Army is part of our commitment to advancing ideas that shape our world. As for Collins Aerospace, they participated as a sponsor of two SXSW Pitch categories this year, providing entrepreneurs with exposure and funding for potentially game-changing work.

BillboardPMC's parent company is SXSW's largest shareholder and its brands are SXSW's official media partners.