Wardiman wants art gallery in schools

Wardiman wants art gallery in schools

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro has underlined the need for every school to have an art gallery so that a greater appreciation of art can be instilled in students.

"I suggest that every school sets up such a gallery," the minister said.

Wardiman made the remark in his key-note speech before thousands of junior and high-school students taking part in an art appreciation program here on Thursday, Antara reported.

The minister said a school gallery would enable students to channel their hitherto unknown artistic talents.

He lamented the fact that at present art appreciation among the Indonesian public is still poor. "This is why I deem it necessary for schools to have art galleries so that it would help improve the understanding of the art among the people."

According to Wardiman the low level of understanding of the values of the art among the public has adversely affected the national film industry, which is now in the doldrums.

Wardiman said school teachers played a great role in encouraging their charges to love and highly value art.

The minister also touched on the links between culture and commercial industry. "Nowadays with the economic dimension getting more and more powerful, it is inevitable that the survival of art and culture should largely depend on commercial industries." (bas)