After receiving and reviewing the broad input from OISTAT members, the EC met and we offer the following statement regarding the recent student protest movement following the Novi Sad train station canopy collapse in Serbia:
Dear OISTAT Members,
We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident at the Novi Sad train station, where a canopy collapse resulted in loss of life and injuries on November 1, 2024. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this unfortunate event, including those injured in the protest movement after this tragedy. We also support efforts to thoroughly investigate the cause of this incident to enhance public safety, ensure justice and restore peace.
As a global organization dedicated to fostering cultural exchange, artistic dialogue, and professional collaboration, OISTAT upholds the fundamental values of freedom of expression and peaceful discourse, including peaceful protest. We remain committed to inclusion, respect, and understanding. As artists, educators, and professionals in the performing arts, we believe in the power of creative voices to inspire change, bridge differences, and promote constructive conversations that contribute to the well-being of our societies. At the heart of OISTAT’s mission is the belief that cultural exchange and open communication contribute to a more just and compassionate world.
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