SXSW Changes Contracts Related To International Performers Amid Pressure

AUSTIN, TX — SXSW oficials, facing growing backlash over contract language outlining terms to which international artists must comply — including punitive measures such as alerting immigration officials if an artist plays an unofficial show — announced Tuesday they would change the boilerplate information in their contracts.

SXSW officials also took the opportunity to reaffirm their objections to Donald Trump's immigration policies many view as espousing anti-migrant sentiment. The new statement by organizers of the massive arts and music festival kicking off next week comes on the heels of a revised Trump travel ban on people from Muslim-majority countries repackaged to gain judicial muster after the first one was rejected as unconstitutional by a federal judge.

The revised ban removes Iran among the banned countries, and deletes an earlier reference to preferential treatment given to travelers of the Christian faith. But many critics still decry the repackaged proposed travel ban as merely a proxy used to justify religious discrimination.

Related story: SXSW Officials Clarify Policy Related To International Acts Amid Immigration Debate

"With the announcement of President Trump’s latest travel ban, SXSW would like to reaffirm its public opposition to these executive orders and provide ongoing support to the artists traveling from foreign countries to our event," SXSW officials wrote in a prepared statement. "To reinforce that stance, we would like to address the concerns regarding the language in our artist invitation letter and performance agreement for the SXSW Music Festival."

Officials then tick off a series of changes to contractual language international artists are compelled to follow in playing at SXSW:

• "We will change the language in our artist invitation letter and performance agreement for 2018 and beyond.
• We will remove the option of notifying immigration authorities in situations where a foreign artist might 'adversely affect the viability of artist’s official showcase.'
• Safety is a primary concern for SXSW, and we report any safety issues to local authorities. It is not SXSW’s duty or authority to escalate a matter beyond local authorities."

SXSW officials acknowledged the need for a more welcoming climate in light of the political divisiveness over Trump's polarizing proposals to ban foreign travels from entering the U.S.

"In this political climate, especially as it relates to immigration, we recognize the heightened importance of standing together against injustice," organizers of the music and arts festival wrote. Officials then reaffirmed their stance on the matter in a series of points:

• "SXSW has not, does not, and will not, disclose an artist’s immigration status, except when required by law.
• SXSW does not have the power to deport anyone.
• There are no “deportation clauses” in our current performance agreements. There will be no “deportation clauses” in our future participant agreements.
• SXSW does not “collude with” any immigration agencies including ICE, CBP or USCIS to deport anyone.
• Each year SXSW coordinates with hundreds of international acts coming to SXSW to try and mitigate issues at U.S. ports of entry. This year we are working to build a coalition of attorneys to assist any who face problems upon arrival in the States.
• In the 31 years of SXSW’s existence, we have never reported any artist or participant to any immigration agency."

"We would like to again apologize for the language in our agreements," SXSW officials wrote in concluding their missive. "We care deeply about the community we serve, and our event is a welcome and safe space for all people."

SXSW officials telegraphed their intent to change the contract language related to international artists' participation following the cancellation of a performance by one artist and a letter with signatures from 50 other musicians and artists calling for the changes.

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