Factory International respond to artists boycotting Manchester International Festival due to Aviva
Factory International have responded after a series of artists pulled out of Manchester International Festival due to its ties with Aviva.
The arts festival is currently taking place at Aviva Studios in Manchester and is set run between July 3rd to July 20th. However, a host of artists, such as Chloe Slater, have now withdrawn from the line-up due to Aviva’s links to weapon manufacturers with ties to Israel.
Slater explained in a statement: “I am extremely sorry and disappointed to announce that the band and I will no longer be playing Manchester International Festival tomorrow.”
She added, “AVIVA Plc insures UAV Engines, owned by Elbit Systems – a UK factory that makes engines for drones used to massacre Palestinians in Gaza. I wanted so much to do this gig but I will always stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine against the ongoing genocide.”
Other artists, such as TTSSFU and Chips With Everything, have since followed suit. Additionally, Adult DVD also pulled out of Manchester International Festival, citing Aviva’s “ties to Elbit Systems who provide arms to Israel” as their reason.
Now, a spokesperson for Factory International said in a statement to Far Out: “We respect the individual views and decisions of the artists in question and are sorry that they feel unable to work with us on this occasion.”
They continued: “We welcome open conversations surrounding topics that affect our artists and audiences and are committed to fostering an inclusive and open space for creative expression.”
Factory International have also shared a further statement on their website explaining their partnership with Aviva which says they “have a shared commitment to supporting access to the arts”. In addition to the naming rights, Factory International say their partnership allows them to offer a £10 ticket scheme, training programme Factory Academy, and carry out sustainability work.
They added: “As with all significant income, the sponsorship was subject to a thorough due diligence process by all partners. Aviva’s support is provided with full commitment to Factory International’s organisational independence and that of the artists we work with – they have no involvement in our artistic decisions or programming.”
Manchester International Festival is set to conclude on July 20th.
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