Discovering Talent Is Not Enough; Young Artists Need Ongoing Support

Jury member of the illustration section of the 33rd Youth Visual Arts Festival said the lack of job opportunities and economic pressures are among the main obstacles to young artists continuing their work.

Referring to the educational capacities of this event, Manli Manouchehri, the judge of the illustration section of the 33rd Youth Visual Arts Festival, emphasized the importance of the exchange of experience between students of different fields and the necessity of continuous support for discovered talents, and added: identifying young talents, especially in smaller cities, is only the first step, and providing the basis for continuing their professional activities should be considered.

Youth festival workshops are an opportunity to improve the quality of works

Regarding the quality of the works presented in the festival workshops and the experience of attending the previous courses, he said: Considering my previous experience, the quality of the works was very good. Even during the period when the workshops were held online due to the Corona situation, acceptable results were obtained. Before the workshops, the students are selected and it is not like we are dealing with an unlimited set of participants. After the initial selection, a group of students attend the workshops and work on a specific topic or freely during three days. In my opinion, this process can bring good results; Of course, the final quality of the works depends on the group of participants, their abilities and the conditions of each course, and it is not possible to give a definite opinion about all courses.

This judge of the youth visualization department explained about the experience of holding online workshops: During that period when the workshops were held online, the workshops were held over three days. Students sent pictures of their works and discussions and exchange of opinions were also done online.

exchange of experience; One of the most important educational aspects of the festival

Referring to the educational capacity of the Youth Visual Arts Festival, Manouchehri considered this event as an opportunity to learn from professors and other students and said: Part of the education is related to the workshop instructor; The one who is responsible for leading the workshop and conveys his experiences to the students, but another part of learning, especially when the festival is held face-to-face, is formed through the exchange of experience among the students themselves. Students come from different cities and each of them has a different look and their own personal characteristics. It is true that these people are at the beginning of their artistic journey, but this difference in views is very important. They learn both from the workshop instructor and from each other.

Emphasizing the importance of communication between different art disciplines, he added: In the illustration workshop, there may be students who work in the fields of painting or sculpture. This communication between people who work in different fields can be very informative. Facing different views and experiences opens new windows in students' minds and allows them to experience new ways of seeing and creating.

Discovering talents is not enough; Young people need continuous support

This judge of the festival considered the identification of young talents, especially in cities far from large educational centers, to be one of the most important advantages of this event and said: One of the advantages of the festival is that students who do not live in Tehran or big cities and may not have access to suitable educational facilities, get the opportunity to be seen. This event can provide a basis for identifying their talents.

Stating that the discovery of talent is only the starting point of the path, he emphasized: It is important that these young people are not abandoned after being identified. A student may have great talent, but need support to continue on the path. There should be a mechanism so that these people can enjoy educational and professional opportunities in the future and continue their artistic path.

Manouchehri stated: This support can be done by providing job opportunities, educational assistance or introducing students to centers that provide them with the possibility of continuing their activities. Sometimes a spark is lit in the existence of a talent, but if the context for its growth and development is not provided, this spark will be extinguished gradually.

Referring to the effect of economic conditions on the activities of artists, he said: Art is facing its own challenges. Many talents may not be able to continue their artistic activity due to economic issues and the need to generate income, and art may be on the sidelines of their lives. It is even possible that a person has pursued art academically and professionally in undergraduate and graduate degrees, but due to the lack of a suitable job market, he has to abandon an important part of his artistic activity and engage in other jobs.

Emphasizing the importance of the visibility of young people in smaller cities, this illustrator stated: I don't know exactly what direction should be taken to support these talents, but I believe it is very important to discover talent and make it possible for young people to be seen, especially those who do not live in Tehran and big cities. Along with this issue, support should be provided so that these people can continue their path and do not miss the opportunity to flourish their talents.

Preparing to guide students in their professional path

He explained about his role in supporting students: In the field of education, I will be very happy if friends have questions or send me their works so that I can guide them. From now until the next few years, they can contact me for guidance whenever they want. As someone who teaches, I consider it my duty.

Referring to the role of economic and social conditions in the continuation of artistic activities, Manouchehri said: I will gladly participate in other forms of support if there is an opportunity and possibility. Economic and social conditions affect the activities of artists, and in societies that are facing economic problems, art may be placed in the next priorities; While it is necessary to define its position properly and provide support for young artists.

This judge of the festival emphasized: conditions must be created so that the support of young people becomes a serious issue and they can continue their artistic path. Otherwise, the talents that are identified today may lose the opportunity to grow and act in the coming years.

He considered the workshop aspect of the youth visual arts festival and the opportunity for interaction between students to be the main attractions of this event and said: The attraction of the festival for me is that young people from different cities gather together. This event is not just a competition where students submit their works and the works are only judged; It also has an educational aspect and the participants find the opportunity to learn and use each other's experiences in a common space.

In the end, Manouchehri said: In such an atmosphere, even students of different fields can learn from each other. This communication and interaction creates an active and energetic environment. In my opinion, this is the specialty of the workshop; An atmosphere that creates motivation and enthusiasm, and this is one of the positive points of the Youth Visual Arts Festival.