GYUMRI RESIDENTS CONTINUE TO PROTEST STATE DECISION TO REMOVE, TRANSPORT MINAS AVETISYAN FRESCOS
epress.am
06.09.2011 13:33
Minas Avetisyan Cultural Charitable Fund representatives, along with a
specialist invited from Italy, today completed the work of removing a
Minas Avetisyan fresco titled "Yerkanq" from the wall of the cafeteria
of Gyumri's former Galvanometer factory.
Recall, on Apr. 28, 2011, the Armenian government approved the
restoration, removal and transfer of several Minas Avetisyan frescos
in the former factory, citing the purpose of saving them from decay
and destruction. However, residents of Armenia's second-largest city
have not been too pleased with the decision.
According to Shirak Center NGO, a dozen or so Gyumri residents had
gathered outside the gates of the defunct factory today, in order to
prevent the transport of the frescos to Yerevan.
On Jun. 8, a group of Gyumri artists protesting the government decision
met with Armenian deputy culture minister Arev Samuelyan. The artists
handed over an appeal letter addressed to Armenian culture minister
Hasmik Poghosyan on behalf of Shirak Center written by hundreds of
Gyumri cultural workers and representatives of artistic and civic
agencies, which stated:
"... taking into account public opinion, negotiations with the culture
minister, recommendations by around 1,000 Gyumri intellectuals, as
well as Mr. [Eduardo] Eurnekian's staff, we ask for your mediation
that all stages of the working group's restoration work be carried
out in Gyumri, in which Gyumri students will also participate. Your
recommendation to the working group, the Minas Avetisyan Cultural
Charitable Fund and the group carrying out the restoration work
will allow, through public discussions, the controversial issue
to be naturally settled. We will assume the responsibility of not
obstructing the restoration work and technical issues."
Those protesting the decision note that they have not yet received
a response from Armenian authorities.
From: A. Papazian
epress.am
06.09.2011 13:33
Minas Avetisyan Cultural Charitable Fund representatives, along with a
specialist invited from Italy, today completed the work of removing a
Minas Avetisyan fresco titled "Yerkanq" from the wall of the cafeteria
of Gyumri's former Galvanometer factory.
Recall, on Apr. 28, 2011, the Armenian government approved the
restoration, removal and transfer of several Minas Avetisyan frescos
in the former factory, citing the purpose of saving them from decay
and destruction. However, residents of Armenia's second-largest city
have not been too pleased with the decision.
According to Shirak Center NGO, a dozen or so Gyumri residents had
gathered outside the gates of the defunct factory today, in order to
prevent the transport of the frescos to Yerevan.
On Jun. 8, a group of Gyumri artists protesting the government decision
met with Armenian deputy culture minister Arev Samuelyan. The artists
handed over an appeal letter addressed to Armenian culture minister
Hasmik Poghosyan on behalf of Shirak Center written by hundreds of
Gyumri cultural workers and representatives of artistic and civic
agencies, which stated:
"... taking into account public opinion, negotiations with the culture
minister, recommendations by around 1,000 Gyumri intellectuals, as
well as Mr. [Eduardo] Eurnekian's staff, we ask for your mediation
that all stages of the working group's restoration work be carried
out in Gyumri, in which Gyumri students will also participate. Your
recommendation to the working group, the Minas Avetisyan Cultural
Charitable Fund and the group carrying out the restoration work
will allow, through public discussions, the controversial issue
to be naturally settled. We will assume the responsibility of not
obstructing the restoration work and technical issues."
Those protesting the decision note that they have not yet received
a response from Armenian authorities.
From: A. Papazian