FYR of Macedonia/ 8.1 Support to artists and other creative workers  

8.1.3 Grants, awards, scholarships

In order to make up for a deficiency of artists and experts in the field, the Ministry of Culture created annual competitions awarding scholarships to young and talented artists for post-graduate professional development, for regular academic education, as well as for specialised or professional development abroad, especially in those fields for which there are no educational institutions available in the country.

Other examples of direct support include: an annual open competition for artists to spend time at Cité International des Arts in Paris and the "11th October" Award which is the most important national award. It is a money award given every year for special achievements in the field of culture and to artists for their lifetime work.

The Ministry of Culture provides funding for the annual awards given by professional artists association to their members for special achievements.

In 2008, the Ministry of Culture announced the introduction of a new category / position of "national artist". The title is reserved for the most significant artists to recognise their contribution to the development and popularisation of Macedonian culture.

The Law on National Artists was approved in 2011. The title is awarded by the President of the Republic, based on the proposal from the Minister of Culture. The title provides a monthly payment in the amount of two average salaries, and a monograph of his work will be published by the Ministry of Culture.

The Macedonian world famous pianist Simon Trpceski was the first holder of the title "national artist" in 2011. Trpceski is one of the most representative musicians in Macedonia, with numerous concerts held at world renowned events and festivals.

The "national artist" title in 2012 was awarded to the film director Milcho Manchevski, director of  "Before the Rain" (Golden Lion), "Dust", "Shadows", "Mothers" etc.

Another form of direct support to artists is the "national pension", which is awarded to significant artists and experts in the protection of cultural heritage. The artists and experts who are awarded this lifelong national pension actually get the difference between their pension and the highest pension in the country. 

Your Comments on this Chapter?