Two hundred artists have participated in the Annual Autumn Exhibition, providing their latest works, which are diverse in terms of the techniques used, representing life will in the Syrians' mood. The works displayed at the Cultural Center for Arts in Damascus included paintings that range from murals to small-sized pictures, in addition to carving and sculpturing works. Minister of Culture, Lubanah Mshaweh, considered that this year's participation exceeds the past two years' in terms of quantity, quality and diversity, as 2012 and 2011 witnessed decline in participation "due to the difficult condition of the country". "Nevertheless, this year's exhibition constitutes a qualitative stride, as it has restored its brightness," the Minister said, adding that the artistic committee commissioned to choose works has picked the most remarkable items to be included among the Ministry's collectibles. "The Ministry is due to establish a museum of the modern arts when the crisis end, where these collectibles are to be displayed," the Minister clarified. Dr. Mshaweh said that the Syrian artists presented their works to prove that the Syrian originality and innovation are incessant despite all sever circumstances. Chairman of Syrian Plastic Artists Federation, Haidar Yaziji, said that this year's exhibition is important if compared to the past two years' exhibitions, where more than two hundred works are participating. Sculptor and artistic critic Ghazi Aana said " It is remarkable that 2013's exhibition reaches such a considerable level in light of the current circumstances, which reflects the Syrian artists' persistence and their spirit longing for life, and that in turn represents the mood of the Syrian people who prefer the culture of life, but not the alien death culture."