SXSW 2020 Officially Cancelled: 'We Are Devastated'
The City of Austin cancelled the event today.
The 2020 SXSW festival and conference has officially been cancelled.
Organisers confirmed today that the City of Austin have made the call to cancel the event which was scheduled to kick off next week.
"We are devastated to share this news with you. 'The show must go on' is in our DNA, and this is the first time in 34 years that the March event will not take place," a statement posted on the SXSW website reads.
"We are now working through the ramifications of this unprecedented situation.
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"As recently as Wednesday, Austin Public Health stated that 'there’s no evidence that closing SXSW or any other gatherings will make the community safer'. However, this situation evolved rapidly, and we honor and respect the City of Austin’s decision.
"We are committed to do our part to help protect our staff, attendees, and fellow Austinites."
The announcement comes after concerns about the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. A petition calling for SXSW to be cancelled was signed by over 55,000 people, while major companies including Apple, Facebook and Twitter, as well as names like Ozzy Osbourne and the Beastie Boys, withdrew from the event this past week.
Prior to today's announcement, Sounds Australia, which presents THE AUSSIE BBQ showcase each year, had committed to attending SXSW 2020 as did a number of Australian artists including Alex The Astronaut, Didirri, Ali Barter, Alice Skye.
In a statement issued today, Sounds Australia Executive Producer Millie MIllgate said the team are "a mix of emotions" after hearing of the cancellation.
"We respect that a decision was ultimately made that prioritises the health and safety of its citizens, the international guests travelling to Austin and, most importantly, mitigates the risk of spreading the coronavirus," the statement reads.
"We are truly disappointed for SXSW and their incredible team who have been working around the clock to keep the iconic show on track. This is especially because they know the impact such a cancellation will have on hundreds of small Austin businesses including venues, production companies, vendors, service and hospitality staff and many more, along with the effect on the global music industry.
"We are most heartbroken and feel for the 43 Australian artists who were due to showcase at this year’s SXSW festival. It is a huge achievement to have been selected from the 7,000 plus artists that apply each year. To have lost this opportunity after spending several months and thousands of dollars preparing, and planning is devastating."
Read the full statement here.
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