Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has called on Minister for Arts and Culture Catherine Martin to join a boycott by Irish artists of the SXSW music festival in the United States.
In a statement this afternoon, Ms Cairns said that according to the festival’s programme, Ms Martin is due to attend tomorrow.
A number of Irish acts including Kneecap, Gavin James, Soda Blonde and Mick Flannery have pulled out of the festival in Austin, Texas, citing the event’s association with the US military and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Ms Cairns said that Ms Martin should “stand in solidarity” with Irish artists who have cancelled their appearances at the event, adding that her attendance would be “deeply disturbing”.
“It is heartening to see a growing number of Irish acts pull out of SXSW after learning the US military is the main sponsor of the festival, which also features several large weapons manufacturers,” Ms Cairns said.
“The Irish artists who have cancelled their shows have sacrificed the opportunity to showcase their talents at a high-profile festival on a point of principle.
“They have done this at significant financial cost because they don’t want their work tainted by association with the US military industrial complex.
“Like the majority of Irish people, they are horrified at the slaughter of over 31,000 Palestinians and the forced starvation of Gaza’s population by Israel.
“Under these circumstances, it is wholly inappropriate for Minister Catherine Martin to attend the festival as part of her St Patrick’s Week visit to the United States.”
Meanwhile, the Music From Ireland group – which funds and promotes Irish acts to international delegates and which is funded by Culture Ireland – is facilitating a meeting today with artists who have travelled to Austin to discuss how they wish to proceed.
“If an artist chooses not to participate in SXSW this will not have a bearing on future showcasing opportunities for those artists.
“Music from Ireland and Culture Ireland actively supports artists’ right to freedom of expression, which is fundamental to their role as agents of change in society,” it added.
