The ELIA Dialogue Series was launched in July 2024, as an online space where higher arts education communities, international experts, and thought leaders could meet to address urgent questions facing the role of higher arts education institutions in times of crisis and conflict. The series was devised in response to the crisis in Gaza which has sent shockwaves through the higher arts education community. In line with our community’s values, ELIA is committed to supporting and connecting its members through creating brave and safe spaces for open dialogue, as well as academic and artistic exchange. This role has become crucial in times of conflict and crisis, when voicing opinions can be difficult and challenging, but is essential to advancing our shared sense of humanity.

The humanitarian crisis and occupation in Gaza continues. Civilians based there and in neighbouring regions continue to be affected by war, displacement and starvation. In our previous statements (2023, 2024), ELIA has condemned in the strongest terms all violations of human rights and international law reported in Palestine and Israel. We reiterate our calls for the adherence to international law, the implementation of a ceasefire, and the protection of civilians in the region. ELIA stands against all forms of discrimination and racism, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. We are very concerned to see freedom of expression and the right to protest increasingly threatened across the globe. These principles must be unequivocally upheld.