TEHRAN Following is the text of the speech of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, delivered to artists and hundreds of cultural and art officials in the fields of cinema, theater, literature, music, painting, poetry, calligraphy, translation and other fields of art.

PART I

It was a valuable opportunity for me. Not only did I hear some facts about the different problems of the artistic community, but also in spite of some opinions - that art and culture has no place in our society - we proved that art is not on the fringes of society but is completely in the center. Your gathering in this place and our long session and your remarks all prove this fact. Anyhow, I am proud to participate in such a session.

What our friends said were samples and some of the things that were left unsaid can be guessed from what was said. Fortunately, the minister of culture and Islamic guidance and his colleagues are in attendance and listening to the issues. I insist on solving them. I should mention that the religious jurisprudence question - about sculpture, the limitations of the local music, etc. - needs suitable time. What I can say is that the issue of "art" and the "artist" are among the delicate and important problems and there are hard borders in this regard. If we do not pay attention to the borders, we might make a mistake; of course, it is related to ourselves. We do not want to talk about the limitations of the artist.

"We should know the boundaries properly to act based on judgement, for we are faced with the important issue - art and the artist - in ruling the country.

An artist is a world. It is the existence of artistic quality in each artist. If a person enters the artist's world he can see an interesting and beautiful world. A world of sadness and happiness, hopes and wishes, but unfortunately there is not such a chance.

Art is such a precious jewel, it is a gift from God. The truth of art - any kind of art - is that it is a talent that is given. Feeling the beauty and truth of God's creatures in the world, an artist can recreate the same beauty and truth with his artistic soul and ability, and this is called real and true art, while non-artists cannot feel or see any of these points.

In fact, art is a precious gift, and naturally the one who has been gifted should not only treasure this gift like God's other gifts, but also be aware of the responsibility that this gift has entrusted to him. It means that all God's gifts are accompanied with responsibilities.

These responsibilities are not necessarily religious obligations, but obligations which arise from the heart. You have eyes, this is a blessing that some don't have. But you should know that beside the pleasure and the enjoyment you receive through your eyes you have been also entrusted with a duty, that is helping the blind.

There is no need to be told by your religion, or a Qoranic verse to be sent down, your heart should feel that.

There is nobody in the world who does not blame a rich person who does not help the poor or is indifferent about the poor, even though he claims that he has worked hard and all his money belongs to him and nobody else. Wealth is a blessing from God but there is a duty on that as well.

Of course, art is not something you can create just through hard work. If you don't possess the artistic talent, you will not turn out to be an artist, even if you try very hard.

You, as an artist, have made great efforts, but God has also presented the chance to you to nurture your artistic talent. (To Be Contd.)