Artists' Letter Protesting the 'Removal' of Painting Major from Art Schools

A number of Iranian artists have gathered signatures in protest against changes to some courses in art schools and the removal of the painting major. According to ISNA, in a letter addressed to the Ministers of Culture and Education, the artists stated that this action would cause serious damage to the art sector in the country and, in the long term, would lead to the destruction of the foundations of art in the country. This protest follows the absence of the painting major in the booklet related to various art school majors in the technical and vocational branch, as well as the 'work and knowledge' branch, where instead of the graphic major, a major called 'photographic' was mentioned. After the artists' protests became public, the Director General of the Vocational Education Office of the Ministry of Education stated that no major would be removed and there was no cause for concern regarding the removal of the painting major. Mustafa Azarkish, referring to the criticism from some visual artists about the removal of the painting major and the change of the graphic major title, added that there have been updates and changes to major titles in the past. He emphasized that there are 1,200 painting students across the country, and the fate of the painting major will be clarified in the next meeting of the Supreme Council of Education, at which time details can be announced. However, Ahmad Royayi, the head of the Boys' Visual Arts School, confirmed the issue of the removal of the painting major and noted the difference between this school and the vocational schools of the Ministry of Education, stating that the vocational schools fall under the technical-vocational category. Therefore, the person responsible for vocational education cannot issue a definitive opinion on this matter. He acknowledged the validity of the issue but mentioned that efforts are being made to resolve it and prevent the removal. The booklet has not yet been officially approved, and while it has been sent to schools through their websites, it has not been legally formalized. A meeting is scheduled to discuss this issue, and he does not believe that the removal will be approved given the protests. The letter prepared by the protesting artists also stated: 'These changes have raised concerns among artists and graduates and will soon lead to the decline and dissolution of this brilliant artistic hub.' Yaqub Amameh Pich, a university art instructor and painter in Iran, expressed disbelief at the decision to remove the painting major, stating: 'It's like shutting down a part of a human's existence! Society runs on these things... it's not just about eating, sleeping, and economic issues. I believe this decision will have a significant impact on the youth and everyone... society needs art... it's as if we say it shouldn't rain or cut down all the trees from the ground. Trees shouldn't grow or we shouldn't breathe... can a human be without feelings? The reflection of human feelings is through art. Human emotions are expressed through art. Can this be shut down?' According to the artists, the painting major has played an unparalleled role in training generations of Iranian artists over the 95-year documented history of art education in Iran and has been a foundational major in the field of visual arts. Great masters such as Hossein Behzad, Mahmoud Farshchian, Parviz Tanavoli, Sohrab Sepehri, and many other artists have been teachers and graduates of Tehran's Fine Arts Schools. The signatories of the artists' letter have requested that the Ministers of Culture and Education establish a council of experts consisting of renowned artists, art instructors, and art education experts for the future of these courses and have expressed hope that, considering the history of this artistic field, a serious decision will be made.