Armenian cultural workers in anticipation of reforms

The cabinet reshuffle plan, that will be the organic continuation of the prime minister’s replacement, gives representatives of the cultural world hopes for positive reforms.

Architect Levon Igityan says the only thing he expects from the new government is a higher degree of attention to the cultural world. “They ask, why does the intellegentsia remain aloof? We are not supposed to knock on their door; it is for them to get to our doors if they are intellectuals, of course” he told Tert.am.

But the architect refrained from sharing his ideas on the desired cultural policies. “I do not do it, so it is not within my interest,” he said, adding that he considers the cultural concept a universal platform.

Ruben Babayan, the Yerevan Puppet Theatre’s art director, said he doesn’t agree to the opinion that the cultural world is totally ignored. “I don’t think it is the case when we think that the Government has pay heed [to us]. What an intellectual says has to be directed to the society, not to the government. And the society is then expected to convey the message to the government. I don’t have any complaints from that pointed of view,” he added.

Babayan said he finds the overall atmosphere in the country anti-cultural, despite any achievements that may really exist. “This is more troublesome than any achievement that may really exist. Culture cannot exist for the sake of culture; whatever we do can serve only for narrow enjoyments. If it does not have an outcome for the society, if it fails to make a human being noble, our work is not worth a single penny,” he explained.

Asked about his expectations from the new government, Babayan said he doesn’t have any idea at all. “[Sergey] Parajanov was engaged in creative work when he was in prison, but those in freedom say, ‘give us conditions’,” he noted.

Babayan added, nonetheless, that a government program reflecting an outlook on Armenia’s future would not be absolutely bad. “What I mean is the set of values we seek for: whether we want a citizen and a dignified life or we seek to get rich and make a mess of it all. We won’t halt migration unless we respond to this question. I don’t know what motivates me to live; I’d rather live in a place where I could know at least what I live for,” he added.