Mikheil Chkhenkeli: "Our ancient and richest culture is Georgia's main treasure, and it is precisely this that strengthens our backs to return to the great family of European nations"
At the plenary session of the Parliament, within the framework of the Minister's Hour, Mikheil Chkhenkeli, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, is being heard. In his speech, the Minister spoke extensively about the projects implemented in the field of culture.
“Our ancient and richest culture is the ultimate treasure of Georgia. It is precisely what strengthens us in our return to the great family of European nations. Therefore, caring for the protection and development of cultural heritage, and supporting creative processes is one of our most important priorities.
More than 300 important projects for the development of artistic fields have been implemented, both on a regional and international scale. The first stage of increasing the salary fund of cultural organizations subordinate to the Ministry has been launched.
We have supported more than 60 international and local competitions/festivals, about 40 exhibitions, and 57 young artists participated in various competition-festivals and events abroad.
This year, for the first time, a program for equipping five state orchestras with new instruments was implemented. A total of 1,800,000 GEL was spent on the orchestras; a total of 28 chant (lotbar) schools were opened in the regions.
The process of repatriating and restoring Georgian film heritage from the Russian film repository continues;
This year, Georgian culture was presented on such international platforms as: the Berlinale, the Cannes International Festival, the Venice Biennale, the Prague Quadrennial, and the Frankfurt Book Fair.
In 2019, Georgia became a full member of the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes “Prehistoric Rock Art” route! On behalf of the country, the status of membership in the European agency was granted to the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia.
In 2019, at the European Heritage Awards, the fortified village of Mutso was awarded the “Public Choice” award, and its rehabilitation project received the “Europa Nostra” award. This project was implemented in 2014-2018 with the funding of the Government of Georgia and the Cartu Foundation.
Regarding another success – the Art Palace was named among the nominees for the European Museum Forum’s “European Museum of the Year Award” (EMYA).
This year, the Art Palace was named among the nominees for the European Museum Forum’s “European Museum of the Year Award” (EMYA).” – stated Mikheil Chkhenkeli during his speech in Parliament.
