Grants are one of the important tools of cultural policy (D. Adams, A. Goldbard)[1], which are characteristic mainly of liberal models, such as liberal (M. Dragièeviæ-Sešiæ)[2], market (A. Wiesand)[3], or the state as an encouraging model. We can state that after the Velvet Revolution, grants and scholarships became one of the important tools. If in the past the culture support policy used state-financed orders as a main tool of development of culture, then after 2018, cultural programmes and projects in state policy began to be financed and developed through grants.
Since 2018, many grants have been announced for libraries, museums, visual culture, and cultural heritage preservation. Cultural grant programmes are aimed at introducing a transparent and competitive system of distribution of state funds, proportional development of various fields of art, construction of a free and participatory cultural field, development of modern arts and creative industries, preservation and effective management of historical and cultural heritage, ensuring the presentation of Armenian culture and modern art on various platforms.
Let’s look at some examples. In 2021 cultural grants were awarded in the following categories:
- “Creative educational (cultural education)” nomination
- “Support to the development and improvement of professional abilities of gifted young musicians” nomination
- “Teaching methodical works in music and art schools” nomination
- “Programmes and projects for spreading the culture of national minorities” nomination
- Creative art programmes and projects (photography, decorative-applied art, design)
- “Theatrical creative programmes and projects” nomination
- “Cultural TV programmes” nomination
- “Creative programmes and projects of film art” (except for film production projects) nomination
- “Intangible cultural heritage protection programmes” nomination
- “Projects and events aimed at the popularization of literature” nomination
- “Museum Events and Exhibitions” nomination
- Musical creative programmes and projects” nomination
- “Creative dance programmes and projects” nomination
- “Inclusive programmes and projects of the field of contemporary art”.
The titles of the grants make clear that cultural education, the development of art branches, and the preservation of heritage occupy a dominant place among the priorities of the state policy.
[1] Adams D., Arlene G., The Instrumentalities of Cultural Policy // http://www.wwcd.org/policy/concepts.html:
[2] Драгичевич-Шешич М., Культурная политика в переходном обществе: фрагменты политологического и культурологического анализа, Панорама культурной жизни стран СНГ и Балтии. М., изд. РГБ, 1999, с. 26-31
[3] Востряков Л., Государственная культурная политика: от патерналистской к партнерской модели?, “Управленческое консультирование”, 2011.
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