November 16, 2009 - 17:21 AMT
Society treats art as something useless, Vahe Arsen
Each author needs advertising, and awards and bonuses are a specific kind of advertisement. But it is necessary to bear in mind that awards are also means for encouraging a writer, Professor, Doctor of Philology David Gasparyan told today journalists.

Present at the meeting was also Vahe Arsen. Both guests pointed out to Armenian society's indifference to art, particularly literature. «I have written two big books about Aksel Bakunts and Yeghishe Charents, perfectly realizing society's indifference,» Gasparyan noted. Society currently treats art as something useless, Vahe Arsen finds.

Guests also agreed that people in Armenia do not have serious approach to the sphere. «We must establish an institute of criticism. And organizational issues should be tackled by the state. Government should be interested in what society reads. Whereas, everything here is maintained by pure enthusiasm,» the poet noted.

Each author needs recognition and awards. It's a different matter when the writer himself refuses the award,» Vahe Arsen told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. «We are facing the problem of making proper distribution of values, but our society is not ready for that. There are talented writers, and there are awards. It is just necessary to bring them together,» Gasparyan said in conclusion.