Published
Thu, Mar 2, 2017, 22:23
- SXSW says that the language might "seem strong," but it is meant to underline the consequences of defying visa rules.
A Twitter post from indie artist Felix Walworth has highlighted SXSW's policy around unsanctioned shows and immigration.
Walworth shared a section of the contract to perform at the Austin festival, which states that artists performing at non-SXSW events during the festival week will not only have their credentials revoked, but will have their cases turned over to the US immigration authorities, who may revoke their passport, immediately deport them and/or ban them from US ports of entry.
Because SXSW does not procure a work visa for its performers, artists from outside the US without one are expected to enter on a B (visitor) visa, visa waiver or any other non-work visa to perform at SXSW—which makes it illegal to get paid for performing at events outside the festival. At a time when immigration raids and forced deportations are the on the rise because of the Trump administration, the clause is likely to attract extra scrutiny. Walworth has cancelled his appearances and called on other artists to do the same.
Other Twitter users have pointed out that the clause has existed in the SXSW artist contract for at least a few years, but has only recently attracted significant attention.
SXSW CEO Roland Swenson has provided RA with a statement that states the festival has "never reported international showcasing artists to immigration authorities." He admits that the language of the contract "seems strong," but that it is meant to get across the consequences for artists who violate their visa terms. He also says that SXSW "is working hard to build a coalition of attorneys to assist artists with issues at US ports of entry during the event."