Skopje, 1 February 2024 (MIA) - Eleven municipalities in the country will receive Mden 50 million support for infrastructure projects in the field of culture. The funds are provided from the Program on the use of capital grants for investment projects in local self-government units in the field of culture for 2024.

Minister of Culture Bisera Kostadinovska Stojchevska, who signed on Thursday the agreements with the mayors of the municipalities that received funds for this purpose, noted that the Government and the Ministry of Culture are sending a clear message that the needs of local culture are recognized, and creative efforts for its further development are valued.

"This year we increased the budget by Mden 10 million for this purpose. Our intention is to continuously increase this item every year. We provide concrete financial support in order to jointly contribute to the quality of local development and implementation of cultural policies equally across the country. The commission decided to support infrastructure projects in 11 municipalities through this program for 2024 with Mden 50 million," Kostadinovska Stojchevska said. 

The municipalities include Bitola, Mavrovo and Rostushe, Dojran, Veles, Chashka, Demir Kapija, Delchevo, Chucher Sandevo, Krivogashtani, Bogdanci and Krushevo, while some of the infrastructure projects include construction and reconstruction of multifunctional creative centers and houses of culture, installation of photovoltaic panels and ground floor plans for libraries, purchase of stage lighting, etc. 

"These 11 projects are a continuity in the support for sustainable and functional development of local culture, as an indisputable essential part of our cultural identity. Hence, the essence of capital grants in their ultimate goal is the stimulation and encouragement of cultural and creative potential, cultural diversity, and originality as a cultural value," Kostadinovska Stojchevska added. 

According to the Minister, local cultural identity must fight for its visibility in a nimble way. 

"Calling on the artists and encouraging them to dedicate themselves to the cultural development of their cities, their municipalities, the Government wants to highlight the strategic role of culture, of the constant call for creative vigilance and artistic freedom. Culture is increasingly recognized as an industry that can bring great economic benefits to the local community. That is why we should help together. I wish a successful and efficient implementation of cultural projects in these municipalities," said Kostadinovska Stojchevska. 

The mayors of the 11 municipalities expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, noting that in this way it becomes both a supporter and a partner in the realization of the cultural and tourism infrastructure of the municipalities.

Photo: Print screen