SXSW Revises Sponsorship Model to Exclude U.S. Military and Weapons Manufacturers for 2025 Season –

According to PitchforkSouth by Southwest (SXSW) announced it would no longer accept sponsorships from the U.S. military and weapons manufacturers. The change follows a boycott that gained momentum during this year's festival. On its website, SXSW said: “After careful consideration, we are revising our sponsorship model. As a result, the U.S. military and companies engaged in weapons manufacturing will not be sponsors of SXSW 2025.”

The successful boycott began in March when several artists withdrew from the festival.. Squirrel Flower launched the movement, citing “a protest against SXSW's ties to the defense industry and support for the Palestinian people.” The artist pointed out that at least one defense contractor involved in the festival was supplying weapons to the Israeli Defense Forces. Following Squirrel Flower's lead, artists Mamalarky, Shalom and Irish rap trio Kneecap also pulled out, expressing similar concerns.

When Texas Governor Greg Abbott criticized the protesters, SXSW distanced itself from his comments, affirming its respect for the artists' decisions.

The wave of successful boycotts spread to the UK, where over 100 artists pulled out of the Great Escape festival, the UK equivalent of SXSW, due to its sponsorship by Barclays Bank. The boycott, launched by Bristol band The Menstrual Cramps, attracted prominent names such as Idles and Brian Eno, who were protesting Barclays' investments in arms companies. It led to further boycotts of the Latitude and Download festivals, leading Barclays to suspend its sponsorship of all Live Nation festivals in the UK until further notice..