Primorsky Krai sparks debate by granting 'academic' titles to theaters
A new regional law in Primorsky Krai will allow local authorities to award the title of 'academic' to theaters and artistic collectives. The change follows claims that federal oversight of such honours has ended. However, the proposal has faced sharp criticism from leading cultural figures.
The regional Ministry of Culture drafted the legislation, arguing that federal authorities no longer grant these titles. But opponents warn the move could weaken the prestige of long-standing institutions.
The debate began when Alexander Bekhterev, a local lawmaker, questioned why the federal Ministry of Culture had stopped awarding the 'academic' title. He also raised concerns about whether the regional initiative might devalue the honour.
Alexei Chebulokov, deputy minister of culture for Primorsky Krai, responded by stating that federal authorities no longer held the power to grant such titles. This, he argued, made regional action necessary. The Ministry of Culture and Archives of Primorsky Krai then drafted new regulations for the procedure. Vsevolod Romanov, chair of the Legislative Assembly's Social Committee, backed the initiative. He believed it would encourage and develop artistic collectives across the region. Lyudmila Talabayeva, an honoured worker of the fishing industry, also supported the idea and promised to verify the federal ministry's position. But Yefim Zvenyatsky, artistic director of the Primorsky Krai Academic Drama Theater named after Gorky, strongly opposed the plan. He called it 'naïve' and warned of serious consequences if passed. In particular, he argued that granting the title to institutions like the Primorsky Youth Theater would undermine its prestige. Despite the objections, deputies approved the initiative in three readings. The new law will now allow regional authorities to independently award the 'academic' title to local theaters and collectives.
The legislation marks a shift in how cultural honours are granted in Primorsky Krai. While supporters claim it fills a gap left by federal inaction, critics argue it risks diminishing the value of the 'academic' title. The federal Ministry of Culture has not publicly commented on the change, leaving questions about its broader implications unanswered.
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