Interview with Costas Costa, Head of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of AKEL and member of the Central Committee

‘SKALA TIMES’ June 2020

Is AKEL the only party with a Cultural Affairs Bureau?

Other parties have a Cultural Affairs Bureau too. Of course, the question and overall issue is developing action, the need to elaborate positions/policies on cultural issues, the submission of proposals both inside and outside parliament, the promotion of the work of cultural artists and art workers and advancing the solution of the acute problems artists face. This, at least, is what the Cultural Affairs Bureau of AKEL is trying to do, which was established and operates within the context of AKEL’s overall policy that puts Culture very high among our Party’s priorities. After all, our history is irrevocably linked to Culture, which is reflected by what our most prominent poet Tefkros Anthias wrote in his Hymn for AKEL, “Forward for the great victory in the arena of culture, unyielding flag bearers of the idea of redemption.”

I would like to point out that the pandemic due to the Covid-19 coronavirus has not only highlighted the value of Cultural Creation, but also brought to the fore all the severe problems the field of Culture faces. Today we are confronted with everything that happened, or did not happen, in this important area. For that reason, in the new evolving conditions, the role of parties is very important. I’ll just speak on behalf of our Party, which is constantly thinking about one thing – how we can contribute towards tackling this tragic situation.

What is your opinion about what is happening in Greece with the abolition of art classes? Some people are worried that the Anastasiades government may follow suit, something that would be unacceptable, as in Cyprus we are used to copying what Mitsotakis does in Greece…

To be really honest with you, I was a little shocked when I read the Greek Education Minister’s announcement to abolish a number of art lessons from the Lyceum, on the excuse that “A large number of pupils don’t chose these lessons” (!!). In other words, such an important issue is viewed as a matter of supply and demand! Initially, the shock came from the announcement. Subsequently, having studied the issue in detail, I concluded that these courses have already been downgraded at all the levels of the education system. For example, Art and Music are taught in primary school and high school only once a week! Now, if we are going to do the same in Cyprus too, this is certainly something that demands a lot of discussion as the situation with regards art lessons is roughly the same.

Although Art and Music are two-hour compulsory lessons – with some differences – in Primary and High Schools, art lessons in the Lyceum  are basically included in the sixth Direction “Fine Arts” and as an option in the lesson “Graphic Arts” in the third direction  “Sciences –Biosciences-Informatics-Technology”. I would also like to note that in previous years a separate lesson on Literature – library day – existed in Primary Schools which over the course of time was integrated into Modern Greek, and by doing so it lost its special character. The question of including art lessons in Education is very important.

The very positive effect of the implementation of Music Schools, in which AKEL played a leading role, cannot be a substitute for the need for all school students to share and convey cultural values. What we are certain of is the pressing need for the value of the teaching of art lessons to be recognised and for a change in the philosophy that will bring about the full adaptation of the Curricula.

You issued a statement about the delay observed in allocating the allowance for cultural artists. Has there been any response from the government?

AKEL expressed its dissatisfaction with the non-payment of the allowance for art workers and cultural artists. Despite the fact that approximately four months have passed, the government continues to consider Culture as the last of its priorities. It depreciates and devalues the life of artists. How can an artist survive for so long without any work and without receiving support?

We have called on the government to abandon the policy of dragging its feet and bureaucratic procedures. We have urged it to proceed without any further delay to the payment of the one-time allowance. What is happening to artists, and to workers in the field of culture in general, is insulting unfortunately. So far we have not had any reaction on the part of the government. But this is not the main thing. The most important thing is that the allowance has not been paid yet. Working people in the field of Culture are the only ones who have not received any help whatsoever!

What is wrong with our country’s cultural affairs today and where do responsibilities do you apportion on the Government?

The Anastasiades-DISY government, 7 years since its first term of office, has neglected the people of the arts and culture. It has devalued culture in general, while no pre-election pledge whatsoever has been fulfilled. For example. The government ruling forces are continuously announcing the establishment of a Deputy-Ministry of Culture, the construction of a Modern Cypriot Library and a New Archaeological Museum. We are still waiting for their practical implementation.

Despite the fact that the Anastasiades-DISY government also pledged not to reduce expenditure on Culture, it proceeded with the imposition of severe cuts in spending/funds (over 30%), while the degree of implementation of the Cultural Services budget does not exceed 80%! These findings are also confirmed by the very recent report released by Eurostat, according to which Cyprus is in the last but one position of EU countries with regards the funds allocated for Culture.

Let me point out that the first action taken by the government ruling forces in 2013 upon their election was to cut the honorary allowances and benefits for pensioned artists of our country, among them prominent cultural creators, who through their work and value elevated our homeland’s standing. Many of them are forced to work until their last breath and there are many cases where artists financially support their colleagues who face serious problems of survival.

In addition, young artists who, despite graduating filled with dreams, ambitions and enthusiasm to work and create, are among the major victims of the government’s austerity policies and remain unemployed or are forced to make compromises on the quality of their work. At the same time, many young artists are migrating abroad in search of a dignified job.

These are just some actions demonstrating how much importance the government ruling forces attach to culture – not to mention the issues regarding antiquities and cultural heritage, where the handling of the issue of the antiquities in the Municipality of Yeroskipou (Note: the sought destruction of a cultural heritage site for business development by the Archdiocese) and the question of the preservation of the Hatzigeorgakis Kornesios Mansion (Note: built in 1793, a significant example of urban architecture of the last century of Ottoman domination) are a disgrace for the government, but also for the Archbishop.

The crisis in public education is of course inextricably linked to the culture of our country since education and culture go hand in hand. What do you think about the state of education under the Anastasiades government and what would you like to see change?

I have already made an initial assessment of cultural issues in the Education system. The government devalues ​​both culture and ​​Education. It is no exaggeration to say that for years, nothing right has worked in education. One mistake follows on another. One decision clashes with another. Teachers have been abandoned and are constantly called upon to interpret complex and contradictory Circulars/directives issued by the Education Ministry. In reality, they are called upon to implement educational policy on their own. Instead of acknowledging the impasses of its policies in education, the government is engaged in a dishonest campaign slandering teachers and their trade unions.

Education, just like Culture, needs a radical change of philosophy. We need a modern, humanistic and democratic school in which all children, regardless of economic capability, gender or religion, will have equal opportunities in education. The existing curriculum, overcrowded schools, major deficiencies in logistical infrastructures of schools, the non-adaptation to modern conditions created by new technologies, the logic of competitiveness in education, the falsification of history, bureaucracy and the imposition of austerity policies are all elements leading to the deterioration of teaching and learning conditions, with the pupils and students the principal victims, especially from the lower income groups, but also teachers themselves.

We want students to have a critical opinion, brimming with self-confidence, with love and sensitivity for Democracy, our Homeland, for Peace, the Environment, Culture, Diversity and with respect for the opposite point of view.

Finally, our educational system must stop being attached to the “eternal old” and finally focus on the “eternal new”, taking advantage of all the wealth produced by humanity through the centuries, but also we are seeking an education system in step with the development of humanity’s progress as a whole

What is AKEL’s vision for cultural affairs in our country? What does Culture mean for you?

AKEL considers cultural creation a necessary precondition for any society in the pursuit of the people’s intellectual development, a society that respects itself and aspires to real progress and true happiness. True culture, at the core of which, as prominent Cypriot communist poet Tefkros Anthias wrote, “lie ethos, humanness and beauty,” is the source that can quench the thirst from the misery, greed, decay and exploitation.

Culture is the power that can break down prejudices, sharpen memory, distinguish the small and minor from the big and substantive. Culture can dissolve the dust that covers up truth and light up and inject a healthy optimism, solidarity and faith for a better and more just and humane life.

Especially in our era where the monster of fascism is raising its head once again, Culture and creators of cultural values ​​can be the bulwark and bastion of resistance against fascism and restrict its growth, preventing humanity from having to again experience the nightmarish moments of the past.

In our country, true art and culture constitute an additional powerful weapon for our people in the struggle against the ongoing occupation and division. Culture IS source of strength that can rally and unite all people regardless of religion, race and colour and contribute decisively towards creating favourable conditions, not only for the solution of the Cyprus problem, but also for peace and our people’s prosperity to prevail.

It is precisely for this reason that AKEL persists and is struggling with consistency so that cultural activity is at long last placed among the priorities of the State and Society so that our people can enjoy the fruits of cultural creation. Investing in Culture is investment in people’s lives.