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)