The Higher Arts Education Network has issued a statement following the restrictions imposed by the Hungarian government on art education. In particular, condemning the restrictions that apply to the Theater and Film University.
In solidarity with the University of Theatre and Film Arts, SZFE, Willem de Kooning Academy supports the statement from the Higher Arts Education Network and therefore chooses to publish the statement in its entirety.
Higher Arts Education Networks’ SZFE Solidarity Statement
AEC, Cumulus, EAAE, ELIA and GEECT stand in solidarity with colleague institutions in Hungary and SZFE Budapest in particular.
As European higher arts education networks, we express our deepest concerns regarding the recent direction and implementation of Hungarian policy, which is severely affecting the free development of education in the arts. We particularly condemn the undermining of the autonomy of the University of Theatre and Film Arts (SZFE), a renowned 155-year-old higher arts education institution. The free development of education in the arts, together with freedom of artistic expression and freedom of research are cornerstone values of European societies and cannot be negotiated.
We urge the Hungarian government and policymakers to guarantee freedom of development and organisational autonomy for SZFE and all higher arts education institutions in the country.
