Mixing art and politics

Op-ed: Culture Minister Livnat should quit after introducing prize for 'Zionist art'

Reuters | Published: 11.14.10, 18:02

This is not the first time where talented Minister Limor Livnat finds herself at the wrong place and at the wrong time. Had she served under totalitarian regimes, or at least during long forgotten eras, in long forgotten worlds, she would have certainly been considered one of the most enlightened leaders for her time.

Back then, they would know how to appreciate, for example, her pompous statement about introducing a new ministerial award (named after her, of course) to encourage Zionist creation.

The desirable prize, in the fields of theater and the plastic arts, will be granted in line with criteria of creation that focuses on Zionist activity – such criteria are, of course, studied in every art school in the world. The declared objective, "encouraging Zionism," enlists artists without batting an eyelash to the cause of government propaganda.

As an enthused supporter of military recruitment, and as one who praises those who enlist for army service at every opportunity, it appears natural for Livnat to also prefer culture that enlists artists to the cause.

And what about cultural freedom, freedom of creation, and all these other intellectual trivialities? Well, for such nuisances there is no place or time (or tolerance) at the Ministry of Culture.

It is possible (and appropriate) to debate about performing or not performing in occupied areas. It is possible (and proper) to debate over the question of funding artists who refuse to perform there (even though all cultural institutions funded by the government already declared that they will appear there.) However, one cannot undertake an act that gravely contradicts the spirit of art and civilization, and remain a civilized person.