Amos Oz to be named 'cultural ambassador'?

Foreign Ministry mulls granting leading Israeli artists 'cultural ambassador' status, in bid to improve Israel's image in world, contribute to artists' careers

Itamar Eichner

The Foreign Ministry is considering granting prominent Israeli artists, musicians, dancers and authors the honorary title of "cultural ambassadors" as part of efforts to improve Israel's image in the world.

Ministry officials believe that the title could also help open doors for Israeli artists and promote them abroad.

The proposal, which originated in Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni's office, calls for the appointment of an independent ministerial committee that would set the criteria for cultural ambassadors and decide who to grant the title to.

Although no decisions have been made yet, the names of some leading local figures have already been raised in this regard, including authors Amos Oz and David Grossman, the Israeli Philharmonic, Batsheva dance company, singers Achinoam Nini, Tzvika Pick, David D'Or and Chava Alberstein and sculptor Danny Caravan.

A senior ministry official said that the purpose of the new initiative was "to officially acknowledge leading, world-renowned artists as Israel's cultural ambassadors. This could help both the State and the artists."

The official also stressed that this state recognition would not grant the new "ambassadors" any special privileges, and that this would be merely an honorary title.

Extraído de:
Yediot Aharonot
(em, 30/01/2008)