The student council of the Dresden University of Fine Arts has stated that it did not take part in protest actions against an exhibition by the artist Holger John. "Damage to property is not a means used by the student council," the Stura body stated in response to a request. "The protests appear to be an expression of a considerable loss of trust in the university management and an understandable frustration with non-transparent decision-making processes."
Criticism of decisions made by the university management
"We would first like to clarify that the criticism is not directed solely against Holger John and his relationship with Till Lindemann, but above all against the decisions made by the university management," said a statement from the Stura. The exhibition had been decided by Rector Oliver Kossack "without involving the student body in a very small circle". "Our criticism is aimed at a lack of transparency and a lack of communication."
The student council said it had received various reports from students who felt that situations involving John were "sexist and transgressive". "If the university management had sought the opinion of the student body in some way, these descriptions could have been dealt with." John had previously described accusations of this kind as outrageous and damaging to his reputation.
Student Council sees no need for talks with artist
"At present, we see no need for a direct conversation with Mr. John. The university management has been aware of the criticism for weeks. We believe that the university management is responsible for dealing with and evaluating the criticism raised," continued the Stura.
The Stura is fundamentally committed to transparent, discrimination-sensitive and democratic university structures at the HfBK. The exhibition is not compatible with the philosophy of the university ("In our opinion, the exhibition is not compatible with the mission statement").
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