Tuesday, 17 March 2015
Ministry of Culture 2014 Performance Report Submitted
Chaired by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan , the Government discussed the Ministry of Culture-drafted report on key activities and priority tasks in 2014 in compliance with the Government’s Action Plan, as well as the Ministry’s estimated performance report.
Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan reported back activities and achievements in the fields of literature, music, cinema, theater, historical and cultural heritage and international cooperation.
It was reported that in the period under review, for the first time ever in the field of music, 6 large music scores by Armenian and world-famous composers were digitized, while the field of theater, 27 new plays were staged.
In the field of cinematography, 18 feature films (8 ongoing), 13 documentary film projects (3 to be continued) 5 animated films and more were implemented.
During the reporting period, under the “Literary publications” program 55 books were published, 10 of which were dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
In 2014, national library collections were supplemented with 38 thousand 965 new items, with the antique Armenian book collection supplemented by new books.
250 million drams were allocated for the “Monument reinforcement, restoration and rehabilitation” program in 2014, 35 million more than in 2013.
Under the aforementioned program, renovation work was carried out in 11 monuments (St. John in Voskevaz, St. Mary in Irind, Translators’ in Aygeshat, Kobayravank in Kober, Sanahin in Alaverdi, St. John in Kamaris, Vorotnavank in Vaghutin, Goshavank churches, Gosh mausoleum and Bjni fortress, Lori Berd). Engineering and surveying-mapping work was carried out in 13 monuments. Dvin excavations (AMD10 million) and the restoration of “Armenia” fresco by M. Avetisyan which is kept at the House of culture in Vahranaberd village of Shirak Marz (AMD22 million) were financed mediating resources available from the Government Reserve Fund.
8 of the restored monuments were handed over to the Armenia Apostolic Church for gratuitous use. Lavash traditional bread making was incorporated in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. UNESCO calendar of important events was complimented with Toros Toramanyan 150th and Voskan Yerevantsi 400th birth anniversary jubilees.
Armenia-Georgia cooperation continued based on the European Convention on the Protection of Architectural Heritage. Reconstruction projects for Mughni St. George and St. Mark churches were approved; reinforcement is underway. Fortification work is in process for Norashen church.
Efforts are underway to get the Blue Mosque (1776) of Yerevan included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. With the support of the World Monuments Fund, cleanup and excavation activities are underway around the Cathedral of Ani. A full restoration sketch plan is being developed at this point of time (Ani city was included in the World Heritage preliminary list).
An Armenian-American archaeological expedition conducted excavations at the Hrazdan gorge in Nor-Geghi community, which resulted in the discovery of a 325-300 thousand year-old settlement.
The Minister pointed out that international experts are keen on exploring Armenia’s ancient sites, and that all the ongoing excavations are attended by numerous international experts.
It was also reported that as of July 1, 2014, culture sector employees saw 44 percent rise in wages.
Referring to current and upcoming activities, the Culture Minister reported that restoration works are currently being carried out at Varagavanq village church, Odzun Church, Tatev monastic complex, Kobayravank, Solak Mayravank, Kamaris St. John’s Church and Mkhitar Gosh Mausoleum monuments.
On the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, there has been developed and approved a special program. In particular, in Jerusalem has hosted a concert entitled “With you Armenia.” A major exhibition is on in Rome dedicated to the Armenian Genocide, which represents the Armenian civilization and the cultural genocide.
Through State funding, Armenian Genocide-dedicated four feature films and 13 documentaries are currently being implemented. On the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, 625 titles of books were acquired from Amazon, eBay, Heritage Auction bookseller platforms for ArmBookExpo exhibition.
As instructed by the Prime Minister, Hasmik Poghosyan dwelt on the ongoing work toward introducing welfare packages among cultural background workers.
Speaking in 2015. programs, the minister reported to the preservation of historical, cultural centers, including the renovation of schools of music, musical instruments, acquisition, international culture spread of the planned programs and activities.
Prime Minister Abrahamyan assured of the Armenian government’s support for the development and implementation of new cultural programs, stressing the importance of preserving the cultural heritage and continuing with the excavations projects. Hovik Abrahamyan added that greater attention and financial resources are needed to safeguard the cultural values that best represent our people’s history and culture.
