MOLDPRES INTERVIEW // Romanian culture minister says culture adds value, rebuilds trust

"Culture must meet the real needs of the community and add extra value" - is the message conveyed by Romanian Minister of Culture András István Demeter, in an interview given exclusively with MOLDPRES. The official speaks about the role of regional solidarity in strengthening resilience, the support provided to Moldovan literature and writers on the European stage, as well as joint efforts to include the Cucuteni–Tripolie heritage on the UNESCO list.

MOLDPRES: Mr. Minister, you are present at the 10th edition of the National Romanian Theatres Reunion in Chisinau, an event that brings together valuable artists and performances from both sides of the Prut River. What does this anniversary edition mean to you, and what message does the motto "The Stage of a Free World" convey to the audience?

András István Demeter: Earlier, we were discussing with colleagues from the embassy that this year’s edition has a motto with a special message that addresses not just reasoning, but more importantly, the soul. "The Stage of a Free World" does not only aim at the mind, but especially the spirit, thinking, and sensitivity of the person, in the sense that aspiration towards freedom is as old as humanity itself – like theater, which, even if appeared later in its organized form, springs from the playfulness and constant play of the human being.

Opening the 10th edition of this festival, we can conclude that, year after year, the event represents a spearhead, concentrating over several days a multitude of cultural events taking place in Moldova, a fruit of collaboration between people, institutions, public and civic organizations. There is no need to emphasize that, without the support of the state – of both states – these events would not be as rich and complex. Support means not only funding, but also facilitating the organization, running and successful completion of the events.

I'm delighted that, despite a delicate economic situation, we have managed, at the level of the Romanian government, to find understanding and support for this festival – this overview of everything that has happened from one edition to another – to be held with the valuable presence of so many groups and important titles that will be presented to the public in Chisinau and beyond. I'm sure that not only the capital's residents will come to the theater halls.

In conclusion, some call this connection a "privileged relationship" or "an extraordinary collaboration." I like to believe that it is about a normal relationship, based on simplicity, sincerity and the soulful connection between us.





MOLDPRES: The cultural relations between Moldova and Romania are increasingly close, reflecting constant cooperation at both the institutional level and through joint initiatives. In the context, do you think Romania is a bridge for the self-assertion Moldova’s culture in the European space?

András István Demeter: Romania represents one of the main vectors of European cultural integration for Moldova. There are already more institutionalized instruments present in both countries making this self-assertion possible. I refer, on the one hand, to the Romanian Cultural Institute and on the other, to media opinion formers. All these are vehicles through which Moldovan culture reaches the European level, providing visibility to the heritage and contemporary cultural creation.

Of course, you can present the culture from event to event, but the impact and visibility heavily depend on the existence of stable cultural networks and infrastructures. Therefore, these institutional tools play a decisive role. Not in the least, we must emphasize the importance of written culture, which is the foundation for any cultural construction. Literature, reading, the art of writing and reading are precursors to all arts – whether we speak of theater, music, film, or visual arts.

The Culture Ministry of Romania seizes every opportunity at international book fairs to include in the editorial offer authors or publishers from Moldova. This, in my opinion, is the solid root without which the pinnacle of culture – be it theater, cinema, or music – could not exist. Therefore, we give special attention to literature and the presence of writers from Moldova in the European space.

MOLDPRES: Cultural and historical heritage represents an essential value for Moldova’s identity. What common projects exist between Moldova and Romania, aimed at supporting its restoration and conservation?

András István Demeter: Yes, such projects have existed for some time and have brought concrete and visible results. We are talking about initiatives that allow the restoration of monuments and heritage buildings, such as the Organ Hall in Chisinau, which has already been refurbished with support on behalf of Romania.

It is important to mention that the agreement concluded between the two governments includes a programme of non-reimbursable technical and financial assistance, and within this programme, resources are still available.

These funds can be used for the restoration of other heritage assets, so that in the near future, we see tangible results for other monuments and historical buildings.





 

 

MOLDPRES: The prehistoric cultural heritage of the Cucuteni–Tripolie civilization is a shared legacy for Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. In September, on the occasion of the European Heritage Days, a meeting dedicated to this topic is scheduled. What role will Romania play in initiating the process of including the Cucuteni–Tripolie heritage on the UNESCO list?

András István Demeter: Romania's collaboration with Moldova and Ukraine will be very close, as we have acted in previous transnational files. We have already experienced the joy of a joint effort, for example, when we completed certain initiatives together, and now we are handling a project that attests to the communion of current civilizations and societies, but which is based on prehistoric vestiges found today on the territory of three countries.

This civilizational root is the best proof of the need for joint cooperation. We have common values already validated at the UNESCO level for approaching transnational files.

Practically, we will establish a "flag bearer" among the three countries, and the other two will have clearly defined roles, so that all actions are convergent towards achieving the common goal. An important step will be the signing of an agreement next week, which sets the general rules all parties will observe throughout the entire process.

It is a complex, long-term endeavor that requires patience and coordination, but we should not expect immediate results. This collaboration, though arduous, will be part of a much broader effort, involving UNESCO member states, each with its priorities and rules.

The essential part is that, through clear organization and joint efforts, we will be able to reach our goal: the conservation and promotion of the Cucuteni–Tripolie cultural heritage in an international framework, with respect for all UNESCO rules and standards.





 MOLDPRES: The war in Ukraine has led to the destruction of many monuments and cultural objects, making the reconstruction and protection of heritage more urgent. Romania and Moldova, as neighboring countries, can have an important role in this effort. How do the two countries currently collaborate in supporting Ukrainian heritage and what concrete actions are to be undertaken?

András István Demeter: Discussions on the protection of Ukrainian heritage have already taken place and continue to unfold within international organizations, such as UNESCO or the European Network of Memory and Solidarity.

Romania and Moldova, not only because we are neighboring countries with common borders, but also because we have complementary expertise in these areas, have an important role to play in this process. There is not yet a formalized bilateral mechanism, but serious steps are being taken towards official cooperation, both at the European and international level and bilaterally.



Regional solidarity is essential, and culture plays a central role in rebuilding trust and resilience. I would add that the concern is as concrete as it can be: on September 9, a public debate was held under the aegis of an alliance of deputies from Eastern Europe for the reconstruction of Ukraine in the Romanian Parliament. Representatives of public institutions and civil society from Romania and Moldova participated in the event, showing that this issue is already on our common agenda.

MOLDPRES: Romania has been part of the European Union for almost 20 years, during which it has gained experience in managing cultural heritage. What lessons has Romania learned during this time that it is willing to share with Moldova?

András István Demeter: Romania itself had to learn and follow models of good practices in the nearly 20 years of EU membership. However, we can identify some concrete examples that could be useful for Moldova as well.

The first example is the digitization of cultural heritage, a process in which Romania has gained experience and successful models, including through projects funded by European funds, which can be transferred and adapted for Moldova.

Another tool of good practice is participatory cultural management, which involves local communities in decision-making regarding heritage, whether we are talking about historical buildings, performances, exhibitions, or educational projects. The essence of this model lies in building decisions from the ground up: identifying community’s needs and providing cultural solutions that not only serve the public, but also shape and educate it.

The difference between "serving" and "disserving" the public is crucial – culture must meet the real needs of the community and add extra value, not be imposed from the top down. In recent years, Romania has also succeeded in creating a legal framework for the status of the professional cultural worker, a tool that regulates not only artists, but also all those involved in the production and valorization of cultural goods. Although perfectible, this framework represents an example of good practice that can be adapted and applied in Moldova.

All these experiences prove that, through digitization, participatory management, and professional regulation, a solid, accessible and community-responsible culture can be built, thus creating premises for more effective cooperation with Romania and EU countries.





MOLDPRES: How do you assess the role of culture as a tool for strengthening European identity and democratic resilience?

András István Demeter: Culture is, without a doubt, a fundamental pillar of our identity. It brings together all the identity elements that define a nation and which are reflected in any form of cultural expression. These elements do not exist in isolation, but coexist and influence each other with other cultures, either through historical contacts or through contemporary migration and existing national communities.

This interconnection contributes to the formation of a broader community identity, extending beyond national boundaries. Looking at the European level, a reciprocal exchange is noticed: the identity elements of each nation influence the European community, just as the European community influences the identity of member nations.

The role of culture should not be defined or appreciated by us; it already exists, determines relations and continuity, and will persist beyond our lives. Our task is to recognize and facilitate this role, in order to strengthen European identity and democratic resilience.

MOLDPRES: Mr. Minister, thank you for your willingness to discuss with the MOLDPRES team.