Complex reform of the cultural sphere - the National Cultural Foundation is established
The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia initiates a large-scale complex reforms and systemic changes in the field of culture, based on EU recommendations and tailored to Georgia's needs.
Based on the reform, the Ministry defines the cultural policy, implements the principle of bilateral accountability between the LEPLs and the Ministry of Culture, and conducts effective monitoring of the performance of activities; It will also perform key functions of culture, cultural heritage, arts education policy, strategy, legislation and coordination.
Within the framework of the reform, a National Fund for Culture will be established, which will be in charge of implementing the policy developed by the Ministry. The work of the Foundation will be based on the principles of equal funding opportunities and protection of the freedom of creative freedom. Its main purpose will be to promote the development, promotion and internationalization of culture;
National Culture Fund aims and objectives, in accordance with European standards, the field of culture in public, transparent and fair system in the field of culture for strategic financial management and spending, as well as the provision of equal access to all members of society, cross-border municipalities, the occupied territories and in the occupied territories of the demarcation line with the populations, and special needs of persons with disabilities, minorities, young people and representatives of the Georgian Diaspora.
The foundation will also support the development of creative industries, cultural tourism and routes. One of its main functions will be to promote state-of-the-art events, culture days, exhibitions, concerts, festivals, touring and other out-of-state activities inside and outside the country. The Fund will administer state grant competitions with a high standard of transparency; Take care of the participation of Georgian artists in international fairs, festivals, competitions and creative platforms; It will also support the development of art education - provide grants in the field of culture and attract investment, support the implementation of infrastructure projects.
Structure of the National Foundation of Culture:
The head of the fund will be appointed by the order of the Minister. A Supervisory Board will be set up for a term of four years, which will determine the strategic direction of the Fund's activities. The Council will include representatives of public agencies as well as local and international experts;
In addition to the Board, competition committees will be set up for thematic competitions announced in accordance with the priorities set by the Ministry; Commission members will be recruited through open competition;
Based on the relevant legislative changes, the fund will start functioning on January 1, 2020 and its budget will be set at GEL 50 million. Irma Ratiani, the literary critic will lead the National Cultural Foundation.
Irma Ratiani is the author, director and executor of more than twenty international grant projects. It was on his initiative that the Georgian International Association of Comparative Literature was founded in Georgia. Irma Ratiani is a holder of many international scholarships and international publications expert.
Due to the above changes, Nata Lomouri, one of the organizations formed by the unification of two LEPLs (National Book Center and Writers 'House) in the field of literature, will be headed and renamed as "Writers' House".
