TEHRAN – The Art Credit Fund of Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance has recently launched a credit card to provide some social services for artists in various fields.
Entitled the Art Credit Card, it was unveiled during a ceremony at Tehran’s Vahdat Hall on Saturday.
The Art Credit Fund launched the Art Credit Card to support the artists by providing some social services and giving loans, Art Credit Fund Managing Director Gholamreza Khalili-Arjomandi had earlier explained.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati, Deputy Culture Minster for Artistic Affairs Ali Moradkhani, and a large number of artists.
Giant of traditional Iranian music Mohammadreza Shajarian, who rarely appears at public ceremonies, was seen along with veteran actor Alireza Mashayekhi, prominent calligrapher Gholamhossein Amirkhani and tar virtuoso Hushang Zarif, Persian media reported on Sunday.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jannati regarded the artists the social capital of a country, and said, “Everywhere in the world, there are efforts to support and reinforce their social capital.
“If we have money and natural sources, but do not have social capital, we cannot develop,” he added.
He expressed regrets that the social and political capital is being ignored, “We do not see the respect they deserve and we must make our best efforts to make the best use of these important figures.”
He continued that many artists still have problems in managing their families. “Some of these artists still need support for their medical treatments.”
He next gave the good news of the collaboration of the culture ministry with different economic organizations such as Iranian Oil Ministry, Tehran Municipality, and Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA), to give better support to the artists.
“Why shouldn’t our concerts and films be staged and screened in the best halls across Europe?” Jananti asked, addressing those who disagree with screening Iranian productions across the Arab and European countries.
He also pointed to the fact that Persian calligraphy, miniature and visual arts have found their real status in the world and asked, “Why should we lose such credit?”
Talking about the dramatic arts, Jananti mentioned that there are no limits on the price of the plays. “We need not interfere in pricing tickets, so that the artists earn the value of their efforts.”
He also talked about the Art Credits Fund and said that the funds need to turn into an independent organization.
The ceremony continued with several numbers of the artists including Mashayekhi who were called on stage to unveil the first art credit card, which was issued to him.
A postage stamp to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Art Credits Fund was unveiled next.
The ceremony was brought to an end with a traditional music performance by the Black and White ensemble.
RM/YAW
END