In a message full of hope and confidence, artist Mazen Al-Nator addressed the art community in Syria, reassuring them of his commitment to the syndicate and the future of the art scene in the country. Despite what he described as an "organizational transition" that aimed to undermine his position as head of artists, Al-Nator expressed optimism about the future.
Al-Nator shared a photo of himself on social media, sitting behind his desk with the Syrian flag beside him. He commented, "Greetings and longings... I promise you that being the head of artists in Syria will be a source of pride for every artist who is proud of his country, and he believes that Syria will return to its former glory." His words resonated with many in the artistic community, who have been grappling with uncertainty in recent months.
The crisis erupted earlier this week following an extraordinary session held by the Artists Syndicate, which some sources labeled as an "attempt to manipulate the elections." This session was called by Nour Muhanna, the deputy head of the syndicate, without prior notice or legal agreement, raising questions about its legitimacy.
During this contentious meeting, the attendees voted to temporarily entrust Muhanna with managing the syndicate's affairs. Many viewed this decision as a serious transgression against the organization's established rules and official decisions, particularly a ruling issued by the Prime Ministry.
In his first official response to the unfolding situation, Mazen Al-Nator published a statement on his Instagram account, emphasizing that the proceedings of the session were unlawful. He described the actions taken as an "attempt to tamper with the elections," asserting that the decisions made during the meeting were invalid and held no legal weight.
Al-Nator reiterated his commitment to operate within the legal framework, while also respecting official institutions and the limits of his authority. He stated, "I will continue my work within the legal and organizational framework defined, while respecting the official institutions and the powers granted to me." This firm stance underscores his determination to uphold the integrity of the Artists Syndicate amidst the turmoil.
The events surrounding this crisis come at a particularly sensitive time for Syrian artists, who have been striving to stabilize their professional environment after years of challenges. Many artists are eager to see the syndicate regain its role as a supportive umbrella for artists and cultural institutions in Syria.
As the situation develops, the artistic community watches closely, hoping for resolution and a return to a more stable environment where artists can thrive. The call for unity and support from Al-Nator may serve as a rallying point for many who wish to see the syndicate restored to its former glory.
Ultimately, the future of the Artists Syndicate remains uncertain, but Al-Nator's commitment to uphold the dignity and pride of Syrian artists is clear. His message serves not only as a reassurance to his peers but also as a call to action for all those who care about the cultural landscape of Syria.
