TEHRAN -- Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mohammad-Hossein Saffar Harandi invited artists to help speed up the country’s development.

In a session with members of the High Council of Iranian Artists Forum, held on Sunday, Saffar Harandi said that artists can use their talent in a way that will encourage people to speed up the development of their country. “Life without art and artists is dormant,” he noted, adding, “We must request that our artists help revive life. Art is not a spice to sprinkle over life; it must be an integral part of the life of everyone. As long as art exists within the every day life of people, the relationship between man and art becomes closer.” He said that artists and cultural managers should be closely related, so that artistic activities can be effectively promoted, and noted, “Artists must not ignore the exchange of thoughts between artists and officials.”

He also requested that artists give more opportunities to youth to encourage them to enter the field.

Saffar Harandi further pointed to the recent Hollywood production of “300”, saying that it is part of the enemy’s efforts to destroy the cultural roots of Iran.

Director of the forum Behruz Gharibpur and head of the council Gholamhossein Amirkhani were other participants who gave details of the past activities of the forum.