Zhupa: Artistët trajtohen me padrejtësi, dështim i qëllimshëm i qeverisë.

The Chairperson of the Culture Commission, Ina Zhupa, has reacted to the situation at the University of Arts, calling the non-implementation of a 2021 government decision to recognize artistic merit unacceptable.

She emphasizes that this behavior constitutes injustice towards artists who are teachers, damages their careers, and jeopardizes the quality of education and culture in the country.

Zhupa demands immediate implementation of the decision, removal of bureaucratic obstacles, and review of the payment scheme, while expressing support for the demands of teachers and artists.

Ina Zhupa's full reaction:

As chairwoman of the culture committee, I express concern about the situation created with teaching artists at the University of the Arts.

It is unacceptable that a government decision, adopted in 2021 to recognize artistic merit and contribution in the university system, remains unimplemented. This inaction is not simply an administrative problem, it is a direct injustice to dozens of artists, as well as lecturers who have built their careers over the years and who are now treated in an unworthy manner.

The teachers of the University of Arts are not just academics. They are among Albania's most prominent artists in their fields, worthy representatives of our culture on the national and international stages. Impeding these professionals in their pay and career advancement is not only an individual injustice, it is a direct cultural harm to the country.

The lack of recognition of artistic merit, contradictory requirements for doctoral degrees, and absurd restrictions on inclusion in leadership positions clearly demonstrate a lack of will to truly reform the system. This situation not only violates the individual rights of faculty members, but also seriously jeopardizes the institutional functioning of the University of the Arts and the quality of education it offers.

Equally concerning is the issue of payments, where artists with extraordinary contributions are treated financially in an unequal and unfair manner, reducing motivation and professional dignity. In this way, the very development of art and culture in the country is also undermined, as these educators are the ones who form new generations of artists.

Under these conditions, I fully support the demands of the artist teachers who rightly demand:
• The immediate implementation of the decision to recognize titles on the basis of merit;
• The clarification and elimination of any contradictory requirements that conflict with the legal acts in force;
• The removal of unjustified restrictions on competition for leadership positions;
• The review of the payment scheme to reflect the real value of their contribution.

Protecting the status of the University of Arts professors is simultaneously protecting Albanian art and culture. Any further delay will only deepen the crisis and damage one of the most important cultural and educational institutions in the country.

Artists deserve respect, dignity, and fair treatment.

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