Sónar Festival has issued a second statement after the controversy arising from its relationship with the Proisraelí KKR investor, indicated by “participating in the real estate promotion in the territories illegally occupied by Israel in Palestine” in a recent report of El Salto that has revealed that up to 80 festivals, some of them Spanish, have become part of this investment fund.
Sónar Festival confirms in its statement the acquisition of Sónar Festival by Supersruct Entertainment and the subsequent purchase of this second company by KKR, but reaffirms its independence and underlines that every decision of KKR is foreign to the festival: «Sónar is unlinked to any KKR action. We have no interference or, of course, any control over their investments or decisions ».
In the statement, Sónar expresses that “our independence remains completely in all areas that define the identity of Sónar: the artistic line, the management of the festival and our ethical and cultural commitment.” Here, the full text:
«In recent days, we have received legitimate messages and requests from public, artists, institutions and partners. We understand that the lack of a sufficiently clear public response on our part in the face of such a serious humanitarian situation has generated discomfort and confusion.
From Sónar, we want to explicitly express our solidarity with the Palestinian civilian population trapped in the humanitarian catastrophe that is lived in Gaza. We also extend this solidarity to all people who suffer the consequences of violence and the violation of human rights anywhere in the world. We care and concern the suffering of thousands of innocent people suffering from the cruelty of wars, occupations and genocides of which the international community is witness.
KKR’s participation in the festivals sector has raised questions and concerns. In 2018, the Superstruct Entertainment group acquires Sónar. In summer 2024, Superstruct is acquired by the KKR investment firm, among others. We want to express clearly that Sónar is disconnected from any KKR action. We have no interference or, of course, any control over your investments or decisions.
Our independence remains completely in all areas that define the identity of Sónar: the artistic line, the management of the festival and our ethical and cultural commitment, which has remained firm over 32 years.
Since its origins, Sónar has been a land of creative freedom, a tool for social transformation to the service of artists and thinkers and a host and projection space for all those voices that represent their communities. Protecting and caring for these spaces of expression, encounter and criticism is today more urgent than ever. We care, it implies and we need it all.
Now and always, Sónar is a festival of Todxs, not subject to anyone’s acronym; A collective space, built among many voices, that defends freedom of expression, critical thinking and commitment to peace, justice and culture «.
See this post on Instagram
