Cultural workers operating in conflict zones and under repressive regimes often face harassment, imprisonment, or exile, calling for a united global response from the theater community.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the organization commits to amplifying the voices of artists and critics under duress, fostering international alliances, and advocating for sustained public investment in the arts.

In 2026, the International Association of Theatre Critics will celebrate its 70th anniversary, highlighting its long-standing role in promoting theater as a force for humanization and dialogue since its founding after World War II.

Ultimately, theater is not a luxury but a vital lifeline to shared humanity, and collective action is necessary to uphold its importance in preserving democratic values.

As the world faces increasing political conflicts and authoritarianism, theater remains a vital force for dialogue and community, especially during turbulent times.

This global crisis, marked by the rise of authoritarian regimes and the erosion of democratic institutions, threatens civil liberties and the freedom of expression worldwide.

The association emphasizes that artistic and critical freedoms are essential to human dignity and democracy, urging governments and civil society to support the arts as fundamental to a free society.