Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan called at the Ministry of Culture Minister to discuss the ongoing and planned activities and the proposed objectives with the Ministry’s senior staff.
After reporting progress towards the implementation of 2017 priority actions, Acting Minister of Culture Armen Amiryan gave the floor to his deputies, who reported back the activities carried out in their respective areas.
Deputy Minister Artur Poghosyan dwelt on the reform in the field of film production aimed at building a regulatory framework for modern model of film production, establishing the institute of film commissioner, pushing ahead with the Mobile Cinema program, creating a regional network of cinemas and so on.
The Premier gave the Ministry month’s time to develop and submit a plan for the development of film industry. “You need to submit a concept note as to where we are going in the field of film production. Each proposal should be underpinned by a rationale, timetable, financial estimates and relevant justifications,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
Deputy Ministers Arev Samuelyan and Nerses Ter-Vardanyan reported progress on the ongoing investment projects in the field of cultural heritage. In particular, reference was made to the launch of a virtual 360 ° museum, the Audio Guide mobile application, the opening of a puppet museum and the establishment of bookseller centers in theaters, as well as the development of infrastructures in historical and cultural reserves and monuments.
The Prime Minister was briefed on the establishment of a cultural center in Gyumri, which is to be implemented under the Kumayri historic center rehabilitation program, according to which the building of the regional department of the Ministry of Culture, the Geological Museum and the Shirak Regional Branch of the National Gallery will be deployed in Gyumri. There will be a souvenir production center, laboratories and administrative offices.
Stressing that the projects may bring about a change in mood and overall environment in Gyumri, the Prime Minister suggested discussing them with the Center for Strategic Initiatives and start work on attracting investors. He also highlighted the use of modern technology and the commercial component in order to increase awareness of local cultural heritage and tourism destinations.
“We need to continue working towards raising awareness of Armenia. We must make an inventory of where we can implement investment projects. I give you a month to provide a rough estimate of where we can invest and generate interest in cultural facilities,” Karen Karapetyan said, instructing those responsible to present an appropriate action plan. The Premier stressed the importance of coordinated efforts between the relevant departments of the Ministry of Culture and municipalities in terms of protection of cultural heritage.
Armen Amiryan briefed the Prime Minister about the activities carried out to ensure growth in the sales of cultural products and services, including libraries, as well as the establishment of intellectual entertainment centers mediating new services, mobile bookstores, bookseller centers and so on.
The Head of Government wanted to know progress in the introduction of an electronic ticketing system in the State-run cultural organizations. Armen Amiryan said that a competition will be announced: a draft resolution is already out to that effect and will be submitted to the Government for approval. The system will be implemented in 3 stages: in the first stage, it will be piloted in Yerevan’s major theatrical centers by November 10, 2017. The Prime Minister instructed them to speed up the process, reducing time limits.
The Premier was given detailed information on the organization of international festivals, competitions and exhibitions, as well as regional cultural programs in Armenia. In this regard, Karen Karapetyan stressed the importance of organizing high-quality concerts for all layers on a yearly basis that might shape a good taste in society.
Karen Karapetyan touched upon the need to hold cultural events for children in Yerevan and the provinces and issued recommendations to that effect. “We should have a plan on how to get children closer to culture so that they could communicate with arts by going to museums, listening to operas, watching movies and so on,” the Prime Minister concluded.