A Statement Concerning Recent Student Protests
We, the undersigned artists, faculty, and staff from the School of Creative Media strongly support the courageous peaceful protests spearheaded by the students in opposition to the Chief Executive “election framework” imposed on the city of Hong Kong. We condemn the use of violence against demonstrators exercising their right to express themselves. As artists and educators we believe it is our responsibility to engage with society. We stand at the forefront through our artwork and other means to respond to issues that will significantly affect the life of the community. The current election issue is a profound one. We are faced with a historical moment in which the future of Hong Kong will be significantly defined. We believe the currently mandated process of nomination of the future Chief Executive does not offer true universal suffrage. It seriously disregards the fundamental principles of a free society. We call on the Hong Kong government to engage in a true dialogue with its citizens and create a new process that is open and fair, one that respects the citizens’ right to choose their own leader.
Signatures:
Jeffrey Shaw
Tomas Laurenzo
Robert Jay Ellis-Geiger
Tobias Klein
Miu Ling Lam
Gyorgy Palos
Jenny K.W. Lau
Kin Chung Au
Olli Leino
Linda C.H. Lai
Phoebe Man
Shannon Walsh
Rita Nga Shu Hui
Koala Yip
Adam Chi Wai Tam
Ayoung Suh
Warren Chi Wo Leung
Charlotte Louise Frost
Maurice Benayoun
Jane Prophet
Ingrid Hoelzl
Charles Chan
Ting-Hsuan Chen
Derek Sung Kee Chiu
Steve Fore
Estella Mei Mei Tong
Hongbo Fu
Ryan Lam
Daniel C. Howe
Kimburley Wing Yee Choi
Hector Rodriguez
Dick Thung
Ada W.Y. Leung
Scott Hessels
Samson Kar Fai Young
Ip Yuk Yiu
Kaho Yu
Damien Charrieras
Bo Zheng
David Jhave Johnston
Roberto Simanowski
Tamas Waliczky
Louisa Wei
Harald Peter Kraemer
Photo source: Phil Shek