CULTURE MINISTER OUTLINES PRIORITIES

ARMENPRESS
May 26, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 26, ARMENPRESS: Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosian told
a news conference today that the ministry has developed a plan of major
events to be held both in Armenia and outside it in 2008-2012. She
said the list was made to group all existing priorities and outline
programs for their implementation.

She said the proportional development of the cultural field – its
decentralization – will be the main priority. To this end there is a
variety of different programs designed to revive cultural life outside
Yerevan. In three years the ministry will conduct a monitoring to
find out the extent of these programs’ efficiency.

Another priority is making art and art education accessible to as many
people as possible. She said the main focus in this respect will be
on musical schools which need urgently new equipment and new teachers.

She said 1,993 students of musical schools were assisted financially
for purchase of musical instruments.

She said other programs are underway aimed at reviving and preservation
of traditional arts and crafts. As an example she said a workshop
operates in Kashatagh for production of souvenirs, carpets and
needlework.

The third priority, according to the minister, is preservation and use
of cultural heritage. She said the focus here will be on rehabilitation
and restoration of cultural and historical monuments. She said in
recent years monuments of Armenian culture located outside it sustained
heavy damages. Now, the super task is to develop joint programs with
these countries to preserve what has remained.

Enhancing modern art development is the next priority. According
to the minister in this sense the country faces lack of skilled
professionals and equipment.