AUSTIN, Texas — For the first time in three years, the South by Southwest festival is returning to an in-person experience this week in Austin.
SXSW has announced it will be donating to Ukraine refugee relief efforts as well as hold a Ukrainian showcase Saturday, March 19, at Speakeasy. The tentative showcase will feature Igor Grohotsky, KAZKA and SpivOberta.
The conference encourages participants to contribute to the relief efforts and show support for the Ukrainian artists.
At the same time, SXSW also took to Twitter to denounce Gov. Abbott’s transgender care investigation order and will says it will continue to use its platform to elevate the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. Among this year’s keynote speakers is Alexis McGill Johnson, Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund president and CEO.
“At the 2022 SXSW Conference, we will focus on building a future that is equitable and sustainable across society, culture, technology, and policy,” said SXSW Chief Programming Officer Hugh Forrest. “Our first announced keynote speaker, Alexis McGill Johnson, embodies these values as our communities continue to fight for reproductive freedom and civil rights for all people.”
SXSW 2022 begins Friday, March 11 and wraps March 20.