CAIRO - Emad Abu Ghazi, the new Minister of Culture, was confronted with the anger of the artists and men of letters who met him in an open discussion on Thursday in the Supreme Council of Culture at the Cairo Opera House. The artists were full of anger about their suffering during the 30-year-rule of Mubarak and his never-changing ministers. They came to claim their rights as men of letters who had many ideas to contribute to their country. The new Minister was very keen to hear their complaints and promised to find a solution. “Our system was inspired by fascism and Nazism. The arts don't need a license. Artists should practice their art in freedom, without facing restrictions or barriers. The Actor Union's authority should be limited and artists have more opportunities,” Abu Ghazi stated to the applause of the participants. “Favoritism is endemic in all our cultural institutions. I'm a graduate of the Higher Institute of Theatre. I couldn't work in any cultural institution because I didn't have anyone to help me,” Doaa Hussien said. The Minister's reply was brief but very significant: “What happened before is over and won't happen again.” The Minister was referring to before and after the January 25 Revolution. Fathi Salama, the prominent international musician, suggested that the Cairo Opera House should make big advertisements in newspapers and on TV to attract bigger audiences. Salama also complained about the very low allowance the Ministry of Culture offered to artists who traveled abroad to perform their art. “These laws are very old, they need to be changed,” the Minister replied. One participant mentioned that some culture palaces, which should promote culture by offering new cultural activities, were used as venues for weddings. Another person added that the summer activities supposed to take place in the culture palaces were only happening on paper. “I heard this before, but believe me, everything will change. We are in a new era,” the Minister replied. He also promised the actors that there would be more opportunities for them to perform their art freely and more theatres available for their performances. He told the people in the meeting: “Please don't call me minister, I'm Emad Abu Ghazi!”
