SXSW 2020 cancelled in the midst of coronavirus concerns

This year’s edition of SXSW Festival has been cancelled with just a few days to go, after a ruling from City of Austin in wake of concerns about coronavirus.

The festival - which includes film, interactive and music conferences - was due to begin on Friday 13th March and continue through until Sunday 22nd March.

Speaking of the cancellation, the festival’s organisers have released a full statement. “We are devastated to share this news with you,” it reads. “”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. We are now working through the ramifications of this unprecedented situation.”

The cancellation’s impact on performing artists, presenters, venues and the wider community is yet to be fully known, however the festival have stated they “are exploring options to reschedule the event and are working to provide a virtual SXSW online experience as soon as possible for 2020 participants.”

We’ll report any developments in regards to our own showcases as soon as know more. On a more personal note, we’d like to thank all of the team at SXSW for their immense hard work in the run up to the event and offer our support to the artists, venues and partners we’ve been working with over the last six months - we’re truly gutted for everyone involved.

Read the full statement from SXSW below.

“The City of Austin has cancelled the March dates for SXSW and SXSW EDU. SXSW will faithfully follow the City’s directions.

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. We are now working through the ramifications of this unprecedented situation.

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.

We are exploring options to reschedule the event and are working to provide a virtual SXSW online experience as soon as possible for 2020 participants, starting with SXSW EDU. For our registrants, clients, and participants we will be in touch as soon as possible and will publish an FAQ.

We understand the gravity of the situation for all the creatives who utilize SXSW to accelerate their careers; for the global businesses; and for Austin and the hundreds of small businesses – venues, theatres, vendors, production companies, service industry staff, and other partners that rely so heavily on the increased business that SXSW attracts.

We will continue to work hard to bring you the unique events you love. Though it’s true that our March 2020 event will no longer take place in the way that we intended, we continue to strive toward our purpose – helping creative people achieve their goals.”