Several artists have pulled out of the first-ever SXSW London, citing concerns over what they describe as “artwashing” – the practise of using art and culture to obscure or sanitise controversial political or ethical issues.
The backlash stems from the festival’s decision to host unannounced panels featuring former UK Prime Ministers David Cameron and Tony Blair, as well as a session with NATO. Critics have condemned what they call the “unethical, misleading and secretive conference programming of war criminals,” accusing SXSW London of using cultural events to mask or legitimise controversial political agendas.
Running from 2–7th June in Shoreditch, SXSW London is inaugural UK edition of the renowned Austin-based festival, which blends music, film, art and innovation. This London edition has focused heavily on design, fashion, and visual arts, alongside music showcases and conversations around technology and creativity. Big names on this year’s line-up include Nile Rodgers and Erykah Badu.
Blair took to the stage on 2 June to discuss the intersection of AI and government, urging the UK to embrace the technology with promises of “AI tutors, AI nurses, AI doctors.” Cameron followed with an appearance on the 3rd June about the future of healthcare in the UK. Neither of these appearances were listed publicly ahead of the event, a move that artists and activists have described as deliberately opaque.
In response, a wave of artists began pulling out of scheduled performances. Heartworms, who was due to headline Hoxton Hall on Saturday, cancelled her appearance, telling fans: “I won’t be performing at SXSW London this weekend for what I hope are fairly obvious reasons – I stand with those who have already done the same, and thank you to my team and label for their understanding.”
Other artists who have withdrawn include LVRA, jasmine.4.t., Sam Akpro and Rat Party. In a statement, Leeds-based group Rat Party criticised the festival’s lack of transparency and accused organisers of co-opting marginalised voices for image-washing purposes: “Not only is this highly deceptive, but indicative of the kinds of people/organisations SXSW are willing to platform. As a collective, we can no longer in good conscience participate in this act of art washing marginalised and PoC artists, and will be boycotting”.
LVRA echoed similar sentiments, explicitly accusing the event of “artwashing”/
This isn’t the first time SXSW has faced protest. At the 2024 Texas edition, over 100 artists and speakers dropped out in response to sponsorship deals with the US Army and weapons manufacturer RTX Corporation. Acts including KNEECAP, Rachel Chinouriri, Scowl, Gel and Lambrini Girls all withdrew in protest, prompting the festival to cut ties with those defence partners for the 2025 edition.
SXSW London now finds itself facing comparable criticism, raising renewed questions about the responsibilities of cultural festivals – and who they choose to platform.
You can read out full SXSW London preview here
