Non-governmental cultural organizations, or in other words, non-commercial cultural organizations, began to form in Armenia after independence, in 1991. A large number of organizations had been formed especially in the 2000s, which was related to the internal stabilization of the political and economic situation in Armenia, active foreign politics and cooperation with international structures and organizations. In 2005, the law on non-governmental cultural organizations was adopted.[1]. According to the law, such organizations have a right to implement cultural and business activities, which are not prohibited by the legislation of the Republic of Armenia and correspond to the main organizational goals and purposes, that is production of relevant goods, provision of relevant services and implementation of their property and non-property rights.[2] Cultural non-commercial organizations can also engage in certain types of activities that are subject to licensing or a special permit.
Non-governmental public cultural organizations play a significant role in the implementation of the cultural policy of the Republic of Armenia. Their establishment and activities are regulated according to the corresponding law.[3] Public organizations began to establish themselves in the field of cultural policy immediately after Armenia had become independent. Cultural NGOs are divided between several spheres according to the type of their activities. Those are the protection of human rights in the spheres of culture and education; dealing with cultural, environmental, social problems, related to vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, refugees, the elderly, children, and the protection of the rights of journalists. Most of the registered NGOs are concentrated in Yerevan.
Non-governmental organizations have the right to independently implement cultural programmes, develop their own policies aimed at the preservation and development of culture, but according to the law regulating the activities of such NGOs, these activities must not contradict the concept of the state cultural policy. The number of organizations subordinated to the Ministry of Education and Culture of RA has increased over recent years, reaching to 100[4]. Some of these are: “Dialogue of Cultures” NGO, “Creative Europe Cultural Platform” NGO, “ARI” Literary Foundation, “Art Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia” NOC, “Aram Khachatryan-Competition Cultural Fund”, “International Academy of Culture and Performing Arts” NGO, “Filmadaran” Cinema Culture Development NGO, “Armenian Pop Jazz Orchestra” SNOC, “Teryan Cultural Centre” NGO, “Civil Art” Cultural NGO, etc. Non-governmental organizations subordinated to the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Armenia are also indirectly involved in development of state cultural policies through public debates, organized prior to presentation of policies and laws at sessions of the Parliament.
[1] See: https://www.arlis.am/documentview.aspx?docid=21548
[2] See: https://www.arlis.am/documentview.aspx?docid=51750
[3] See: https://www.arlis.am/documentview.aspx?docID=110802
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