concerning the current situation in Iran
The University of Arts Linz is committed to promoting human rights, non-violence, and freedom of the arts and sciences.
The current developments in Iran are affecting people directly. At the moment, there are 49 students with Iranian citizenship who are enrolled at the University of Arts Linz. The current situation brings real duress, isolation, insecurity, as well as emotional and existential worries to the students and staff at our university who have family in Iran and biographical links to Iran. We share their worries and fears concerning family members and friends in Iran, especially because it is impossible to
contact them.
Repression, violence, and taking away fundamental civil liberties threaten individuals, as well as undermine the foundations of democratic society, the arts and sciences. Restricting freedom also puts at risk critical thinking, all forms of artistic expression, and scientific work.
The University of Arts Linz stands for an open, democratic society, for the protection of human dignity, and for the freedoms needed for education, science and art. The arts and sciences need democracy, and democracy needs the arts and sciences. We firmly state our solidarity with all those who peacefully stand up for democracy and human rights.
Linz, on 21 January 2026