What does Artists' Union do in reality?
"Artists' Union of Armenia does nothing for its members. Even the money allocated by the state is not directed to the right purpose," Union member Armen Atanyan told A1+.
Recently, the Ministry of Culture gave the Union money to publish a catalogue of exhibitions but the money was used to handle electric issues.
Artists' Union Chairman Karen Aghamyan says the Union has never been actively engaged in organizing exhibitions as it is today. In 2010, the Union plans to open about 50 exhibitions in three halls.
"Even the Soviet era the Union was not financed by the state. We always had three halls with poor accommodations and illumination. They pile the paintings in the same room without realizing its consequences," Armen Atanyan emphasized.
The Union was renovated in 2009 by the financial assistance of individuals and private organizations. Before that the union members were allowed to use the exhibition halls without any payment. But today they have to rent the halls with a symbolic sum to be able to exhibit their works.
"Today we have no finances. The Union operates thanks to the enthusiasm and devotion of my partners," says Union Chairman Karen Aghamyan
"We have to pay AMD 10 000 a day to exhibit our paintings. Exhibitions are usually open for 15 days. Now let's consider - is the sum symbolic? There are many talented painters in Armenia but few can afford the rent today," Armen Atanyan noted.
Despite the high price, Mr. Atanyan is going to exhibit his paintings in the Artists' Union.
"I can display my exhibition somewhere else but it is a great pleasure for an Armenian painter to show his works in the Artists' Union. That is a different mentality."
