South by Southwest London announces Canva and Converse as first major brand partners

29 January 2025 - Press release

Sponsors join forces to support SXSW London's inaugural festival coming to Shoreditch in June 

 

South by Southwest^® (SXSW^®) London festival which takes place 2^nd – 7^th June 2025, announced today their first major brand partners for the inaugural European festival: Canva and Converse - These industry leaders will have a significant presence at the festival, hosting large-scale activations within the exclusive SXSW London campus.

Each year at SXSW hundreds of official partners create incredible activations whether creating ‘brand houses’, sponsoring unmissable events, or sharing their innovation and expertise through speaking on stage about future-facing ideas. In 2025, SXSW London promises to set new creative and commercial standards in Europe as the festival comes to the UK for the first time with 25+ venues and more than 40 creative spaces all within walking distance in the heart of East London, Shoreditch.

Canva, the platform for visual communication and collaboration, have come on board as the Major Design Sponsor. The company, whose London HQ is home to its 450-strong European team opened a new event space in Shoreditch and will be a key partner.

Commenting on their role at SXSW London Canva Head of Europe, Duncan Clark said: "SXSW’s unique blend of tech, culture and business makes it a perfect fit for Canva, our design platform used by more than 220 million people each month. We've recently unveiled our expanded HQ and event space in London’s Hoxton Square, reinforcing our commitment to the city’s vibrant and thriving creative scene. We’re thrilled that SXSW share this passion for the capital and are proud to be the official design partner.”

For the inaugural festival, Converse, the lifestyle brand, will be a Major Music sponsor.

“Converse is thrilled to partner with SXSW London in 2025, continuing their legacy of supporting unsigned artists and shaping the future of music, following their successful partnerships at SXSW in Austin.” Simone Deocares-Lengyel, Converse Head of Marketing Europe

Other partners include Angry Orchard, Sportico, Tag, Globant, Stoksy, Aveva, WWD (Fairchild) and Artforum