We are protesting the inclusion of Raytheon (RTX), its subsidiary Collins Aerospace, and BAE Systems at the South By Southwest festivals and conference.
Raytheon (RTX) manufactures missiles, bombs, and other weapon systems for the Israeli military to use against Palestinians.
Collins Aerospace provides crucial components for military aircraft used by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
BAE Systems has supplied weapons and equipment used in the occupation of Palestinian territories.
We urge that SXSW take the following actions:
– Disinvite Raytheon, Collins Aerospace, and BAE Systems from the festival
– Reevaluate the inclusion of agencies in the Department of Defense in events and discussions hosted by the festival.
– Use its platform to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and advocate for peace, justice, and the protection of human rights.
In addition, we are disturbed by SXSW’s platforming of agencies in the Department of Defense, including the CIA, NSA, and NRO. These organizations contribute to violence around the world, undermining the festival’s reputation as a celebration of creativity and innovation. If SXSW wishes to retain its credibility, it must change course by disavowing the normalization of militarization within the tech and entertainment industries.
By taking decisive action, SXSW can set an example for other industry events and join other artists, musicians, creative organizations, and the majority of Americans in the fight for a world free from violence and oppression.
NO BUSINESS AS USUAL! We have sent more than 600 emails to Hugh Forrest and other executives and dropped off a printed letter. They continue to ignore us. Follow for updates on our Instagram @austinforpalestinecoalition
As of March 17th, 2024 118 Musicians/Records/Panelists have DROPPED OUT of official SXSW showcases in protest. See the Full list at the bottom of this page.
The initial bands that dropped SXSW: Squirrel Flower, Abe Balshon, Shalom, Eliza Mclamb, Mamalarky, Merce Lemon, Proper, Tc_superstar, Ama the Band
Check out the statement by United Musicians and Allied Workers
MEDIA COVERAGE:
The Guardian, Vulture, Stereogum, Austin Chronicle, NME, Exclaim
The brutality of Israel’s occupation has escalated in the last four months. Tens of thousands of innocent civilians, including a disproportionate amount of children, have been killed and millions displaced. Gaza’s healthcare system has been decimated, and hundreds of thousands of Gazans face starvation. Gaza’s infrastructure and essential services have been systematically destroyed by Israel, as well as every university in the strip. There is a humanitarian crisis in the Gaza strip.
“Gaza is a graveyard for children…and a living hell for everyone else.”- UN Official
Source: NY Times
The ICJ (International Court of Justice) has ruled that Israel’s campaign of mass slaughter plausibly constitutes a genocide, defined as “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.” It has become impossible to escape the conclusion that Israel’s actions fall under this definition. By platforming companies that contribute to Israel’s campaign, SXSW makes itself complicit in this crime.
190 local Austin Musicians have signed our open letter calling for a ceasefire. By taking decisive action, SXSW can set an example for other industry events and join other artists, musicians, creative organizations, and the majority of Americans in the fight for a world free from violence and oppression.
Musicians, Authors, & Filmmakers Who Dropped Out Of SXSW in Solidarity With Palestine
Band/Artist/Group
Austin Federation of Musicians (AFM 433)
United Musicians and Allied Workers
TC Superstar
Merce Lemon
Proper.
Squirrel Flower
Shalom
Eliza McLamb
Mamalarky
Abe Batshon
Amatheband
Bloomsday
The Curls
Greg Freeman
Buffalo Nichols
This is Lorelei
Madison Baker
Jess Cornelius
Groa
Lucîa Beyond
Luge
Fantasy of a broken heart
Friend
Birthday Girl
Lucy Kruger
MEDUSA
TAGABOW
Kneecap
Omni
Frances Chang
Gel
Winona Forever
gavin james
soda blonde
Scowl
Dear Life Records
Tomato Flower
Godcaster
Sarah Morrison
Kolb
Gold Dime
BabyBaby_Explores
Mei Semones
Smut
Lambrini Girls
Sprints
Little Mazarn
Yaya Bey
Enola Gay
The New Eves
Tetchy
Subsonic Eye
Conchúr White
Mick Flannery
Chalk
May Rio
Fust
The Armed
Lip Critic
Font
Discovery Zone
Allegra Krieger
Vera Ellen
cumgirl8
BODEGA
Farmers Wife
Reyna Tropical
Mindshrine
Pons
Robert grace
Cardinals
Rachel chinourini
Good looks
Holiday ghosts
Venus Twins
Teenage sequence
Big bill
Antiquated joke
Tiger balm – RECORD LABEL
Keeled Scales – RECORD LABEL
Horse Jumper of Love
Ritual
Trauma Ray
Villagerrr
Flatspot Records -Entire showcase
Scowl
Glare
Buggin
Strange Joy
Lady Apple Tree
Zuck The System
Ben Aqua
Glare
Being Dead
Perfectly Imperfect – SHOW CASE
High as fuck band
Shred flintstone
Shower curtain
Glixen
Joyer
Bbslugs
New dad
Gurriers
Thor Harris
Alex dl
The Sewing Club Band
Amatheband
Buffalo Nichols
Lucy Kruger
Ritual
Flatspot Records -Entire showcase
Dear Life Records
Smut
Zuck The System
Gold mine
Gruff Rhyss
Georgia Get By
The Point.
Reeva
Alice Does Computer Music (solo act from Birthday Girl)
Beharie
Authors
Dr. Devon Price
Sarah Phillips
Lashanna Williams
Chris Smalls
Ruha Benjamin
The Slow Factory
Leah Penniman
Filmmakers
Sister Sylvester
Leave a comment