Artists set to perform at Carriageworks as part of this year’s Vivid Sydney program have formally cut ties with the music festival and its sponsor, Airbnb, they revealed in a statement on Wednesday (4 June).

Moktar, Andy Garvey, Ben Fester, Anusha, Sleep D, Waxo Paradiso, and Wings of D’sire will perform at Carriageworks independently of Vivid, they shared in a statement shared by Pure Space, a record label started by Andy Garvey.

These performers have departed the Vivid Sydney programming due to its partnership with Airbnb, which allegedly profits from hosting tourists on Palestinian land in illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem (per The Guardian).

Palestinians have reportedly been moved from their land into “small urban enclaves”, making up less than 20% of the West Bank, where they have limited independence. Over 300 Airbnbs are located on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and The Guardian reports that a third of them are in those settlements.

In a statement called “We don’t need Vivid, and we don’t need Airbnb,” the artists cite Airbnb’s “documented history of listing properties in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank” as the reason for boycotting the accommodation company.

Those properties, as well as allegedly displacing Palestinians and “entrenching apartheid conditions,” have been considered a violation of international law and widely condemned by the United Nations and human rights organisations such as Amnesty International.

The statement reads: “Despite the immense challenges we face as artists and navigating unstable work, few opportunities, and systemic pressures. WE cannot allow our work to be used to legitimise or sanitise unethical corporate relationships.”

It continues, “We don’t need Vivid, and we don’t need Airbnb. To be absolutely clear: Airbnb is not a sponsor of either of our shows.”

The artists state that Carriageworks has “worked closely and respectfully” in honouring their wishes and political standings to host the shows independently of Vivid. “This independence is reflected transparently across all ticketing platforms and promotional material,” they said.

“In line with the broader community’s demand for ethical accountability in the arts, we are boycotting Airbnb and will continue to do so until Vivid Sydney and Destination NSW drop them as a sponsor.

“This demand is simple and justified: listen to the community and act responsibly.

“We are proud to be joined by fellow artists in this action. Their names are listed below.

“In solidarity, Andy Garvey, Moktar, Sleep D and the artists performing at Carriageworks.”

Carriageworks’ Vivid Sydney program begins today and runs until Saturday, 14 June. The Music has reached out to Carriageworks for comment on the situation.

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