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On December 12 the RA NA Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport with the assistance of the SANAP USAID program organized parliamentary hearings on the theme “The Strategic Problems of the Cultural Policy and Challenges of Their Regulation.” The NA deputies, chairmen of creative unions and cultural figures attended the hearings. The Committee Chairman Artak Davtyan has noted the targeting issues, which related to the management of the cultural organizations, state support, the social guarantees of the sphere of culture and the creation of cooperation between the creative unions and the NGOs. Then Mr Davtyan presented in detail the problems existing in the sphere.

The RA Deputy Minister of Culture Artur Poghosyan presented the state policy pursued by the Ministry, and has noted that the cultural policy by the state is implemented according to two principles: centralized management and creative freedom. Talking about the events envisaged for the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide in 2015, Artur Poghosyan has noted that thousands of bids have been received, and events program is already ready. The Deputy Minister of Culture has also referred to the conservation of monuments, repairing of museums and the problems existing in the libraries. Artur Poghosyan has also mentioned about the activation of cultural life in the rural communities, the creation of theatres and libraries. He has highlighted the declaration of Armenian culture in international platforms, noting that during the recent years in UNESCO the issues related to the Armenian intangible cultural heritage have been regulated by law.

During the Q & A session the speakers have answered the attendees’ questions.

The Deputy Minister of Culture and Youth of Nagorno Karabakh Republic Lernik Hovhannisyan has presented the cultural policy being implemented in Artsakh. In Mr Hovhannisyan’s word, regular works are being done in creation, activation of new cultural ties and international integration.

At the end of parliamentary hearings Artak Davtyan proposed the attendees to present recommendations, and they will be studied by the Committee.