Minister of Culture Guram Odisharia talked to Georgian Journal about main priorities of the new government in the sphere of culture, about the achievements of last six months and new goals. Right now there are several issues, including restoring of Tao Klarjeti historical monuments, which the minister of culture calls a priority.

Q. There are many issues that need global approach and proper policy to achieve real results. Which direction does the new minister of culture view as strategic?
A. We came to the government in November. On October 25, Georgian parliament approved the list of ministers and cabinet of ministers begun to function from November 1. The first two months, including December, were very tough: the country was just recovering from the elections and analysis of the situation; also there was tense political situation and in that period we declared openly that we were the people’s government. And it was true. That’s why many people expressed wish to meet me and share their ideas and give advices about cultural politics and offered their services too. Consequently, all in all, we talked to 2000 visitors during those two months. Besides, I had to study the projects that were already launched to estimate and make decision to continue or cease them and to clarify the new goals to achive more popularity and better effectiveness than before. I don’t belong to the list of managers who say that our starting point was zero and there was nothing done previously. When we analyzed old projects, we saw that the ministry of culture made a route. We liked projects such as Leipzig and other book fairs and Georgian book crossed the border, becoming more popular. Also there are the issues that we like and we are going to continue them. Because when our staff together with my deputies, gathered in January for the first time (I also want to mention that there were controversies about my deputies and I was working only with two deputies) we identified our main priorities and regions became our main priority. Cultural life in regions is very low; there are no cultural centers, cinemas where youth and old generation can hold discussions about their needs and talk to visitors from Tbilisi. Even in Tbilisi there are only several cinemas and outside of Tbilisi only Batumi has one. I traveled around entire Georgia during these five months. So we worked out plans. Our ministry is like big ship and it needs time for maneuver to pick up speed. Concretely we help culture houses in regions. We buy 10 film projectors to supply them to culture houses to enable population to see good films. Also there will be discussions with visitors - cinema directors from Tbilisi. Concerts, master classes will be held there too. It will help little ensembles and musical groups to become more professional. Maybe there is someone like little Georgian Mozart... So we will help them know more about themselves to unveil their talents. We already received many letters expressing their thanks.
Q. Traditional spheres like cinema and music face big challenges. They are underdeveloped; besides, there are problems connected with pirated films and music that every site offers to the customer. Do you plan active steps towards improving situation in this direction?
A. These fields require big finances. We don’t have very big finances this year. You know that the president’s fund used to finance large-scale events, concerts and so forth. We lack it, that’s why we are on a program finance system. We discuss different projects and finance them. There were very interesting offers from young film directors who are going to travel from village to village, to show films and teach young generation how to make cartoon films, for example. We promote this because we have to find out new talented people. Right now we work on the law about Maecenas. If Maecenas help any kind of artistic activity, they will be free from taxes. We are learning from the European experience. Post-Soviet Baltic countries also have law about Maecenas. We met ambassadors of these countries and they gave us information about law and experience. We talk about post-Soviet space because we have similar history and same risks while implementing the law. There is the danger that it will become the way for money laundering. For example, in Baltic countries money from each sold bottle of alcohol, cigarette, etc. is transferred to this field. It needs time but we are working on it. I am a writer, so I know the meaning of promoting new ideas. Our priority is promoting Georgian culture abroad.
Q. How do you see future restoration of Tao Klarjeti historical monuments?
A. We have long-term negotiations with the Turkish side. The visit of our Prime Minister in Turkey was very successful, but there are no signed documents yet. The Turkish side is open for negotiations; they appreciate the problem. It needs time. In difference to the former government, we try to keep our activity transparent. We have begun to arrange round table to discuss problematic issues with the public. We want to involve every citizen in the process of developing the country.
Q. Will the Georgian side be involved in the process of rehabilitation of Oshki and Ishkhani churches?
A. This is the subject matter of our negotiation. Georgian specialists will work on the project. We work on this theme. Also we will try to avoid misunderstanding similar to Bagrati Cathedral to make the entire process transparent. Transparency and public relations is our achievement.