A London festival received a backlash after it was revealed Tony Blair and David Cameron were among the announced speakers at the event.
The pair’s involvement in SXSW (South by South West) was brought to light by journalist Matt Kennard, who posted the leaked programme on X last Monday.
The event is also set to host the CIA, which has led many to question the presence of such an organisation at a London festival centred around the arts.
According to a post on the official CIA Instagram page, posted on 3 March: “This year, CIA officers will present Mission Possible: The Spies’ Guide to Creative Problem Solving.
“Come learn how creative problem solving has helped resolve complex challenges we’ve faced in protecting national security, and how you can apply creative thinking to your own seemingly impossible missions.”
Among the artists pulling out of the festival is south-east London singer-songwriter Sam Akpro.
In an Instagram post, Akpro said: “I decided to take this gig in the faith that SXSW had cut ties with the US army and the defence contractor RTX which they have, but to no surprise they continue to deceive, and involved themselves with individuals who are complicit in the ongoing suffering in Palestine and beyond.
“SXSW is using us smaller and minority artists to push information and ideologies that I do not align myself with.”
The ties which Akpro referenced relate to last year’s edition of the brand’s flagship Austin festival, in which they partnered with the US Army, as well as defence contractor RTX Corporation, which prompted over 100 artists and speakers to pull out of the festival.
Artists who joined Akpro in pulling out the festival this year included Rat Party, Blood of Aza, Saliah, LVRA and Magnus Westwell.
A spokesperson for SXSW said: “As one of the world’s largest festivals across tech, music and the creative industries, SXSW London respects everyone’s views and positions and aims to create an open, diverse space for debate and discussion.
“Across the breadth of the festival, with over 800 speakers, we have a broad range of global leaders spanning the technology and cultural industries, their inclusion doesn’t represent an endorsement of any particular position or viewpoint.”
SXSW is not the only London music festival to receive backlash this season, as numerous acts pulled out of Field Day festival over their ties to global investment firm KKR earlier this summer.
SXSW is currently under way in Shoreditch and will conclude on 7 June.
Picture credit: Free to use from Unsplash
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