Artists concerned by lack of opportunities

KABUL (TOLOnews): For World Art Day, which was on Saturday, April 15, Afghan artists expressed criticism over the lack of attention of the interim government and relevant departments toward the art field, saying that they are facing economic challenges due to lack of opportunities.

Sayed Mehdi Hossieni, who has been engaged in art for the past 12 years, said there is no market for artistic work.  

“Art in Afghanistan has a special place. This was due to efforts and perseverance of the artists themselves,” he said.  

“There are some restrictions on our work currently, im that we cannot draw the face,” said Rishad, an artist.  

UNESCO named April 15 as the World Art Day. 

However, the calligrapher expressed optimism over their business work after the Islamic Emirate swept into power. 

 “There are some fields whose business dropped to zero after the Islamic Emirate swept into power; but some of the arts such as Islamic calligraphy has increased,” said Basheer Ahmad, a calligrapher. 

The Ministry of Information and Culture said that it make an effort to improve art in Afghanistan.  

“Any art which is in line with our tradition and culture in Afghanistan and also in line with Islam, the Islamic Emirate provides opportunity for such arts,” said Abdul Haq Humad, a special envoy of the Ministry of Information and Culture.