The government programme for 2021-2026 sets the following goals for the performing arts:
- creation of skills and resources for the development of marketing strategies, segmentation, and targeting in organizations of the field,
- creation of fund-raising capacities and mechanisms in cultural institutions,
- optimization of state non-commercial organizations, centralization of financial means and professional resources, professional development of a capacity building programme and corresponding legal acts,
- establishment and strengthening of institutions of producers and directors,
- development of qualitative and quantitative standards of the effectiveness of organizations,
- Formation of a loyal, permanent audience (audience),
- Development and activation of the institute of art critics,
- creation of a favorable environment for creative, talented individuals
- introduction and establishment of the institute of art patronage, development of the legislative framework for it, – formation of mechanisms of public opinion and state encouragement of art patronage,
- improvement of material and technical foundations of cultural institutions, aimed at the achievement of high-value artistic results (audio and video equipment, musical instruments, stage equipment, furnishing of halls and stages, heating, security systems),
- analysis and mapping of material resources and professional potential of creative unions.
In accordance with some goals and tasks of the programme, a number of state support programmes are being implemented.
Cinema
Since 2012, the National Cinema Centre of Armenia has been a member of the European audiovisual observatory, ensuring participation in the observatory’s activities and conferences on specialized audiovisual art issues. In 2016 Armenia became a member of the board of the Eurimage Foundation. Throughout four years of membership, Armenia has been able to present annually internationally competitive film projects that have received grants from a European foundation.
In cooperation with the professional structures for cinematography, grant programmes for the discovery and encouragement of young creative potential and state support in the field of cinematography are being developed. In order to decentralize cultural activities, the programme “Regional Film Screenings” is implemented to make people from regions familiar with Armenian film art.
In recent years, the international film festivals of “Golden Apricot”, “ReAnimania”, “Rolan” children’s films, “Kin”, “Apricot Tree” documentaries and “ONE SHOT” short films have been organized in Armenia with the support of the state (interrupted during the war and pandemic of 2020-2021). They have already become traditional and well-known in the regional and international arena.
In 2018, the -“Gaiff Pro” regional film market, which promotes the factor of international cooperation, was launched alongside the “Golden Apricot” Yerevan International Film Festival.
In the same year, the “Hamo Bek-Nazar: Classics of Armenian Cinema” project was launched by the “National Cinema Centre of Armenia”, within the framework of which, thanks to international cooperation, the heritage of Armenian cinema is being restored and digitized.
Since 2019, the “National Film Centre of Armenia” SNOC has implemented a new regulation on “Contesting and financing of film projects”, the provisions of which are in line with international standards and regulate effective cooperation between film producers and the state, as well as promoting international cooperation.
Since 2019, a new independent artistic council has also been operating in “Hayk Documentary Film Studio” state non-profit organization, which is guided by the principle of selecting only quality film projects and practices in accordance with international standards.
Since 2019, the draft RA Law “On Cinematography” is being developed, which should regulate the principles and main directions of state policy in the field of cinematography, international cooperation, as well as the procedure and conditions for providing state support to cinematography.
Theatre
There are more than 50 theatre organizations operating in Armenia: theatres operating under state, community, city government and independent theatre groups.
With the Ministry’s annual and medium-term expenditure programmes, theatre buildings and structures are renovated, equipped with modern light and sound equipment, support is provided for the participation of theatre collectives in international competitions and festivals, works of modern playwrights are acquired, and complex programmes promoting the development of theatre art are developed and implemented.
For decades, international festivals have been held in the field: “Hayfest”, “Armmono” mono performances, “Tumanian fairy tale day” puppet theatres, “Theatrical Lori”, Yerevan Shakespearean International Theatre and L. International pantomime festivals named after Yengibaryan.
The sphere of theatre art is regulated by the laws of the Republic of Armenia “On the Basics of Cultural Legislation” and “On State Non-Commercial Organizations”. In December 2007, the draft of the RA Law “On Theatre and Theatrical Activities” was presented to the RA National Assembly for discussion. Yerevan State Institute of Theatre and Cinema has branches in Vanadzor, Gyumri and Goris, as well as Kh. Armenian State Pedagogical University named after Abovyan. Fifteen theatres are operating under the management of the Ministry of Education and Culture, including both drama and musical theatres. The significant budget increase allowed a significant increase in the number of performances. Thus, the number of performances of the National Opera and Ballet theatre has increased from 68 (2013) to approximately 180 (2021) yearly.
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