Supporting Cultural Expression of Ethnic Minorities
One of the main principles of the state policy regarding the ethnic minorities is its integration into countries political and sustainable development. With this regard, priority is given to the promotion of cultural expressions of national/ethnic minorities through increasing their role in the country’s cultural life, protecting and development of their traditions, creating tolerant environment and the encouraging intercultural exchanges.
According to the commitments of the Convention, In 2013 The MoCMP of Georgia introduced the special programme under the state budget plan supporting cultural expressions of national/ethnic minorities. The MoCMP subsidises 3 theatres, 2 museums, belonging to ethnic minorities and allocates funds for various projects both initiated by and addressed to national minorities. The above projects include funding of ethnic folk ensembles, several newspapers, journals, publications, concerts, festivals, exhibitions, crafts dedicated or initiated by ethnic minorities (in total about 70 projects) have been supported.
During the reporting period the following cultural activities were supported by the MoCMP related with ethnic minorities: publication of 4 magazines/journals in Russian, Azeri and Armenian languages; publication of: books by Ossetian and Azeri authors and collection of Ossetian poetry, translation of book into Azeri and Osetian languages about the greatest Georgians; 2 albums of artists representing ethnic minorities, 2 catalogues about German artists living in Georgia and about Culture of Weinachs (northern Caucasian ethnic group ); events related to Georgia-Jewish 26 century friendship; Also, Caucasus Jazz annual festival, folk festival with participation of all ethnic minorities residing in Georgia (200 participants; 14 ensembles); Carpet Festival organized by ethnic Azeries including workshops aimed at transferring know-how about traditional technologies of knitting carpets., the project “Diverse Georgia”, promoting Georgian culture in regions populated by ethnic minorities.
The average annual budge allocated for the programme accounts 2 mln Gel (85000 Euros)