A support program for private theaters will be created in Armenia

The government plans to approve the "Support Program for Private Theaters in Armenia", which aims to promote the activities of private theaters by creating equal competitive conditions and contributing to the development of the creative environment. The project was published on the unified platform of e-draft legal acts, projects publication. The program was developed based on the requirements of the Law "On the RA Budget System" and is consistent with the 2021-2026 plan of the Government of Armenia. to the goals of the program, in the direction of ensuring a favorable environment for the realization of creative abilities and promoting the activities of independent creators. The goal of the program is to support private theaters, ensuring their content and organizational growth. Through the program, it is planned to provide financial support, to provide theater infrastructures - stage areas, rehearsal spaces and other necessary resources, to involve theater groups in programs implemented by the state, to provide competitive grants and access to the "Subscriber Program". Beneficiaries can be legal entities and individual entrepreneurs engaged in innovative and experimental theater activities. Theaters can apply once a year to the RA Ministry of Education and Culture. The support will be given for up to 3 years. Beneficiaries undertake to ensure the quality of performances, the number of spectators, as well as to participate in international festivals. The spaces provided can be rented or provided free of charge on a contractual basis. In 2025, the program will be implemented with the funds allocated to the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, without increasing budget costs. Starting from 2026, it is planned to be included in the medium-term expenditure plan. Special attention will be paid to the accessibility of theatrical performances and the involvement of socially disadvantaged groups. Periodic monitoring will be carried out to assess the results of the program, including the number of audiences, the quality of the performances and the financial performance of the troupes. With the implementation of the project, a modern and innovative theater environment will be formed, the activities of theater groups and the popularization of Armenian theater art will be promoted. In addition, the recognition of the cultural product will be increased, as well as an opportunity to modernize management models in the field of theater business will be created. This program is based on the study of international experience, which has shown that the support of private theaters contributes to the development of the diversity of the theater arts and the involvement of the audience in wider circles.