Culture Minister Advocates for Transparency as Key to Achieving Cultural Justice
During a recent press conference, the Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Seyyed Abbas Salehi, underscored the significance of transparency and the essential role of media in shaping cultural policies. This event marked his inaugural media conference, where he shared insights into the ministry’s cultural and artistic approaches while addressing various questions from the press.
Since taking office four months ago, Salehi has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the cultural landscape. These initiatives focus on three main objectives:
- Democratization: Ensuring that all citizens have access to cultural resources.
- Cultural Justice: Promoting fairness in cultural accessibility and information dissemination.
- Transparency: Reestablishing a transparency committee that has made available 200 documents to the public.
“Cultural justice is of great importance. Everyone should have the right to access non-classified information,” Salehi stated, emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to open dialogue with the public.
When asked about the absence of certain Iranian films, which have garnered international accolades from the upcoming Fajr Film Festival, Salehi clarified, “If a film has not received a screening permit, it has been excluded from the festival. This is based on the festival’s regulations and has nothing to do with their content.” This response reflects the ministry’s adherence to regulatory standards in promoting Iranian cinema.
In addition to regulatory issues, Salehi highlighted the pressing need for greater diversity in Iranian cinema. “In the current climate of Iranophobia, culture and art serve as our gateway to the world, providing a comparative advantage. Various initiatives have been undertaken in this field,” he noted, illustrating the ministry’s proactive approach to expanding cultural representation on an international scale.
One of the noteworthy initiatives mentioned was “Say From Iran,” aimed at inviting influential social media figures to visit the country. Salehi reported that this program has yielded significant outcomes in promoting Iranian culture abroad.
Shifting focus to the music industry, Salehi observed, “In recent decades, there has been an unusual interest in Korean music among Iranian youth. This speaks volumes about the trajectory of our country’s music. We haven’t done enough to cater to the tastes of younger generations with proper productions.” This acknowledgment points to a gap in the ministry’s current music offerings.
To address these concerns, Salehi introduced the new National Music Policy Document, which aims to pave the way for reforms in the music sector. This document emphasizes:
- Diversity in Musical Genres: Encouraging a wider range of musical styles to appeal to various demographics.
- Support for Emerging Artists: Providing resources and platforms for new talents.
- Enhancing Music Education: Fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of music among young people.
On the topic of rising book prices, Salehi expressed concern over the volatility of paper prices, which has made books increasingly unaffordable for the general public. He stressed the importance of establishing stable pricing mechanisms to prevent books from becoming a luxury item, reiterating the ministry’s commitment to promoting literature and education.
Furthermore, Salehi addressed the potential for cultural collaborations with neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt. He emphasized that stronger ties through culture, art, and media could lead to mutual benefits and a richer cultural exchange.
In conclusion, Minister Seyyed Abbas Salehi’s press conference highlighted the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance’s dedication to fostering a transparent, diverse, and inclusive cultural environment in Iran. By implementing policies focused on democratization, cultural justice, and international collaboration, the ministry aims to elevate the cultural discourse and ensure that all Iranians have access to the arts and cultural resources they deserve.
