Advice to Members Following the Cancellation of SXSW Festival

Following the cancellation of this years’ SXSW festival in Austin Texas, members invited to the Showcase are advised that unless they are in possession of a valid ‘O’ or ‘P’ work visa they should not attend.

Published: 09 March 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM

Photograph of buildings across the skyline in Austin, Texas — Due to cancellations, the SXSW Visa Support letter is no longer valid. Photo credit: Shutterstock

If were invited to the Showcase and are in possession of an ESTA Visa Waiver Programme or B Visa, then due to the cancellation of the event your visa is no longer valid.

The music team at SXSW issued this guidance on 9 March 2020, specifically in connection with ESTAS or B visas:

“Due to cancellations, the SXSW Visa Support letter is no longer valid. You will be unable to enter the country to perform without a work visa, as you are no longer showcasing at the SXSW Music Festival.”

Nonprofit organisation cultural exchange organisation Tamizdat have released further information and a detailed FAQ document on their website. They are also offering pro bono assistance to affected artists, who can get in contact by emailing avail@tamizdat.org

For those Artists who have been funded by the PRS International Showcase Fund – please read the advice from PRS Foundation on their website.

Visa agency Viva La Visa are offering free advice to musicians affected by this cancellation.

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

Get public liability insurance for musicians
Access expert legal support
Be represented in your profession
Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Continue reading

A Welsh National Opera orchestra member holding a campaign placard at a demo in Cardiff.

Welsh National Opera Orchestra Musicians Vote to Accept New Agreement

Musicians in the Welsh National Opera (WNO) orchestra vote to accept a new agreement, following a year of tough negotiations and months of high-profile campaigning to protect Wales’ largest arts organisation.

Published: 22 April 2025

Exterior of the Middlesex Guildhall in London, location of the UK Supreme Court.

UK Supreme Court Rules on Legal Definition of Woman in the Equality Act

The Court has ruled that 'woman' in the Equality Act refers to biological women, excluding trans women with gender recognition certificates. The MU is urgently seeking information on what this means for trans members, and encourages anyone facing discrimination to contact their regional office.

Published: 17 April 2025

A photo of musicians at a protest in Leicester Square, holding up banner and signs.

MU Protests Against Potential Busking Ban in Leicester Square

The MU and buskers gathered in Leicester Square to mark what could be the last day of busking in the area, following a noise abatement notice from the City of London Magistrates' Court.

Published: 17 April 2025

A bright orange sunrise bursting through clouds over a calm sea.

MU Reiterates Call for Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

The MU supports TUC’s recent statement on the conflict in Gaza and calls again for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Members who may have suffered harassment, discrimination or lost work are also reminded to contact their regional office for advice and support.

Published: 15 April 2025

A stack of Kayla's 'Fractures' albums, signed and ready to be posted.

Member’s Voice: Kayla Painter on the Rewards of Self-Releasing Music

In this blog, MU member, educator, producer, and electronic musician Kayla Painter shares her experience of self-releasing music. Following the success of her album launch last year, she explores the ups and downs of the DIY route, offering invaluable firsthand advice to other members.