Downtown Boys, Priests, Sheer Mag, More Sign Open Letter Demanding SXSW Rescind Deportation Clause
“We are calling on SXSW to immediately drop this clause from their contract, and cease any collusion with immigration officials that puts performers in danger”
Downtown Boys, PWR BTTM, Priests, Sheer Mag, Screaming Females, Helado Negro, Immortal Technique, Allison Crutchfield, Sad13, Merchandise, Jay Som, Girlpool, and more have signed an open letter directed to SXSW in wake of the recent controversy surrounding the festival’s deportation clause in its artist agreement. “As artists and part of the musical community of SXSW, we’re outraged to learn that the festival has been threatening artists who are not U.S. citizens with targeted immigration enforcement and deportation for playing at unofficial showcases,” the letter reads. “We are calling on SXSW to immediately drop this clause from their contract, and cease any collusion with immigration officials that puts performers in danger.”
The letter goes on to also specifically demand a public apology from the festival “for their attempt to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” as well as affirmation “that it is a welcoming space for all artists, including immigrants and international performers, and commit to protecting the rights of all performers.” Read the full letter here and below.
Earlier today, SXSW CEO and co-founder Roland Swenson issued a statement calling the situation a “misunderstanding,” explaining that the festival has never been put in the position to notify immigration authorities of any artists’ actions and that the language regarding deportation was included “to protect SXSW and the interests of all the participating artists.”
An Open Letter to SXSW:
As artists and part of the musical community of SXSW, we’re outraged to learn that the festival has been threatening artists who are not U.S. citizens with targeted immigration enforcement and deportation for playing at unofficial showcases. In light of recent attacks on immigrant communities, this practice is particularly chilling. We are calling on SXSW to immediately drop this clause from their contract, and cease any collusion with immigration officials that puts performers in danger.
Austin, TX is a sanctuary city and these actions by SXSW show a disrespect for municipal policy. SXSW is a well respected institution and has a responsibility to show leadership by refusing to collaborate with the government’s campaign of fear and hate toward non-citizens.. This is a growing open letter with concrete demands that SXSW needs to take.
WE the artists who make SXSW possible demand the following:
- SXSW…