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Some artists have pulled out of the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, in recent days.
cnn
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Dozens of artists and speakers canceled their appearances at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, to protest the US military and defense companies’ sponsorship of the event amid the war between Israel and Hamas.
Protesting bands, singers and panelists have shared notes of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza as they announced their withdrawal from South by Southwest (SXSW), which runs through March 16, citing the military’s sponsorship of a major event. of the US and a handful of smaller defense industries. alliances in the middle of US government support for Israel in the war..
The artists boycotting through Tuesday were primarily small bands and independent artists, and they largely announced their decisions on social media.
Singer-songwriter Ella Williams, who performs under the name “Squirrel Flower,” was one of the first to pull out and said last week that she was boycotting. the annual technology, film and music event “in protest of SXSW’s ties to the defense industry and in support of the Palestinian people.”
The US Army is one of the “SXSW” sixsuper sponsors”, and at least three of the festival events have been sponsored by companies linked to the defense industry.
The United States has provided strong support and military aid to Israel following the October 7 Hamas attacks that killed more than 1,200 people in Israel, although divisions Differences between the leaders of the two countries have arisen over rising civilian casualties in Gaza. Since Israel declared war on Hamas, more than 31,000 people have been killed in Gaza and more than 72,000 wounded, according to the Ministry of Health in the besieged enclave.
“A music festival should not include war profiteers. “I refuse to be complicit in this and take down my art and work in protest,” Williams said in an Instagram post.
Some boycotting artists have canceled their official festival appearances, but will still play other shows scheduled in Austin, including R&B artist. Yaya Beysinger Mei Semones and punk band Frown.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott responded to the protest with a social media post Tuesday, saying: “Goodbye. Do not come back”.
“We are proud of the US military in Texas. If you don’t like it, don’t come here,” Abbott said in X.
SXSW “disagrees” with the governor’s attitude towards the boycott, SXSW organizers said in a Series of publications on the festival’s X account..
“We fully respect the decision these artists made to exercise their right to freedom of expression,” reads one of the festival’s publications. SXSW organizers defended their decision to accept sponsors.
“Historically, the defense industry has 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 how their approach will impact our lives. “The Army’s sponsorship is part of our commitment to presenting ideas that shape our world.” says the SXSW publishing chain.
SXSW attracted more than 340,000 attendees last year, organizers say sayingand generally hosts a wide range of lectures, panels, musical performances, film screenings and exhibitions. Their events this year have included panels with actress selena gomez; Meghan, Duchess of Sussex; and investor Cuban brand.
The festival continues to “support human rights for all,” SXSW posts read.
“The situation in the Middle East is tragic and illuminates the growing importance of standing united against injustice,” adds the festival’s statement.
A demonstration on the subject is planned Thursday afternoon outside a SXSW venue, hosted by the Austin Coalition for Palestine and United Musicians and Related Workersa group of advocates for fairer wages and labor standards for music artists.
CNN has sought comment from the US military.