The logical endpoint of the newly appointed Minister of Culture, Armen Amiryan’s work career, after all, I think it should be the liquidation of the Ministry of Culture. Today, the main function of this ministry should become the elaboration of legal acts and other laws derived from the very progressive law on “The Basics of Cultural Legislation” adopted still in 2002. Because the mentioned law speaks of only the basics, and constructing a “building” on this basis is a serious and laborious task. After that, the Ministry can be liquidated.
However, I am afraid that this idea will not be supported by the Soviet Armenian artists, and I even tend to believe that they would greatly resent if this intention is published. Collective letters will be sent with alarms that therewith the culture is ruining. Needless to say that the culture and in particular, the art develop or setback irrespective of the activities of any ministry.
But the people who think so are visualizing the ministry as an institution that distributes state orders, medals and titles. Incidentally, their positive or negative attitude towards this or that minister is due to what extent the Ministry or other government officials have “appreciated their contribution.” Surprisingly, in the 21st century, people might be interested to know where they are invited and when ignored, and when invited, what class is their seat, as well as whether they are a member of something or not.
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I am also surprised how people whose task should be modestly creating devote themselves to the vain and futile “toys”, are jealous of each other and write down materials against each other, deal with intrigues, and most importantly, complain about why the state gave this-and-this to that person but not him. In such worldview, certainly, the Ministry of Culture plays a central role, and the rumors that the government “does not pay due attention to the culture” (meaning, them) become the main form of leisure time.
Once, there was such a narration, I do not know real or made up. During one of the international festivals, Soviet film director Gerasimov had the chance to get acquainted with the French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo. The film director introduces himself, “President of the Union of Cinematographers of the USSR, laureate of State and Lenin Prize, Hero of Socialist Labor, Sergei Aporinari Gerasimov.” In response, the actor stretches his hand and says, “Belmondo”.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
