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Quadrennial Periodic Report
Albania 2020

Quadrennial Periodic Report - bendi - 10/29/2020 - 14:05

Submitted by bendi on 29 Oct 2020

General Information

Technical Information

Name of Party: 
Albania
Date of Ratification: 
2006
Officially Designated Point of Contact of the Convention: 
-
Describe the multi-stakeholder consultation process established for the preparation of this report, including consultations with relevant ministries, public institutions, local governments and civil society organizations.: 

In regard to this report, an expert from the Directory of the Culture Development’ Programs, Ministry of Culture, has collaborated with other directories of the Ministry collecting data and information, as well as with other ministries and institutions. The finalization of the report was carried out through a process of consultation, research and data collection, in cooperation with central cultural institutions – our partners, important ministries involved or related to culture, education, etc. and civil society organizations who provided us with the required information and CSO forms.

Executive summary: 

The Ministry of Culture of Albania, which is the main institution responsible for the implementation of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, has taken into account the objectives and principles of this convention in drafting policies and measures to achieve her mission. Thus, e.g.
the Strategy for Culture 2019-2025 approved on 2019, is drafted in accordance with the principles and objectives of the Convention and orients in directions and concrete measures, such as awareness and support for creative industries, inclusion of culture in economic development, supporting digitalization of cultural expressions, promotion of new artistic expressions, intensifying cultural exchanges, the inclusion of the civil society and especially the young in all cultural policy and legal framework debates, etc.
As well, the Law on Cultural Heritage and Museums 27/2018 among others sets up rules on trade of the cultural assets and free movement.
In line with the 2005 Convention Albania adopted the Law on Protection of National Minorities in the Republic of Albania in October 2017.
During 2020 priorities have been redesigned due to the unexpected global closure of all cultural institutions and the cancellation of all independent stage activities. The outbreak of COVID-19, found Albania struggling to recover from infrastructural damages to cultural objects caused by the devastating earthquake of November 26, 2019.
In this context, the Ministry of Culture of Albania has undertaken new initiatives that aim to:
-Foster the creative industry - as a way to face the socio-economic challenges and promoting links between creative industry and culture. Businesses operating in the cultural sector and related to: handicrafts, producers of items connected to music field (e.g. instruments), visual artists, etc, have benefited from the internal financial plan to support small businesses.
-The situation has also highlighted the importance of creating new digital cultural spaces and digital archives –Thus, through the Digitalization Center, established on 2019, the Ministry of Culture aims to make the Albanian cultural assets accessible and available worldwide. It is important to link this Center with new online educational programs and training courses, which are designed as long term post COVID measures.
- The public during social distancing, needs an alternative cultural product, so it is planned to set up digital platforms, where to display the best part of content, generated by our cultural institutions, such as the National Theater, the Theater of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble, museums, libraries, galleries, etc.

For the future, the Ministry of Culture priority is the promotion of the use of technology, as well as support for startups in the creative industry.
The pandemic highlighted the need for an increase of platforms and programs, projected to create new versions of culture. To this end, we aim the creation of a new cultural hub for the creative industry through start-ups, under the supervision and economic support of the government.
-For this reason the Ministry of Culture is reconsidering the distribution of the Open Call Projects Fund in more flexible projects, adapted to the situation for self-employed artists, cultural professionals, creative industries and non-profit cultural operators.
-The funds provided for the cultural projects will be oriented towards digital cultural projects, to support those innovative initiatives accomplished through the potentials offered by the creative industries.
Albania as well, will continue to participate in the EU Creative Europe program, ‘Europe for citizens program’ and many other international projects and networks.

Contact details of the stakeholders involved in the preparation of the quadrennial periodic report (QPR). Please also include the contact details of the civil society organizations (CSOs) if they have contributed to the QPR drafting, including through the CSO form.: 
Organization typeOrganizationEmailWebsite
Public Sector
Audiovisual Media Authority
info@ama.gov.al
http://www.ama.gov.al/
Public Sector
Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth
info@arsimi.gov.al
http://arsimi.gov.al/
Public Sector
National Book and Reading Center
alda.bardhyli@qkll.gov.al
https://qkll.gov.al/
Civil Society Organization (CSO)
EKPHRASIS STUDIO
contact@ekphasisstudio.com
http://www.ekphrasisstudio.com
Civil Society Organization (CSO)
CIOFF Albania
cioff-albania@cioff.org
Civil Society Organization (CSO)
Institute of Romani Culture in Albania
info@irca.al
https://irca.al/
Public Sector
Albanian National Center of Cinematography
info@nationalfilmcenter.gov.al
http://nationalfilmcenter.gov.al/

Goal 1 - Support Sustainable Systems of Governance for Culture

Cultural and Creative Sectors

A Ministry (or agency with ministerial status) is responsible for cultural and creative sectors: 
YES
Regional, provincial or local governments or administrations have decentralised responsibilities for policies and measures promoting the cultural and creative sectors:: 
YES
Regulatory frameworks and sector specific laws, policies and/or strategies supporting the cultural and creative industries have been revised or adopted during the last 4 years: 
YES
If YES, has at least one of them been designed through interministerial cooperation (involving different government departments responsible for policy areas, such as communication, education, ICT, trade, foreign affairs, labor, finance): 
YES
Specific education and training programmes in the arts and the cultural and creative sectors are established, including: 
Digital literacy programmes for creation and experimentation
Cinema/Audiovisual arts
Design
Digital cultural and creative sectors
Media arts
Music
Performing arts
Publishing
Visual arts
Cinema/audiovisual arts
Cultural management
Design
Digital cultural and creative sectors
Media arts
Music
Performing arts
Visual arts
Specific measures and programmes have been implemented over the last 4 years to: 
Support job creation in the cultural and creative sectors
Encourage the formalization and growth of micro/small and medium-sized cultural enterprises
Statistical offices or research bodies have produced data during the last 4 years: 
related to cultural and creative sectors
evaluating cultural policies
Share of cultural and creative sectors in Gross Domestic Product (GDP): 
0.11%
2020
Please provide whenever possible disaggregated data by sector: 
No data available
2020
Please provide whenever possible disaggregated data by sector, age, sex and type of employment: 
492 females and 460 males, 952 persons in total are employees of Ministry of Culture' system and all subordinate institutions in the center and districts of the country.
Total public budget for culture (in USD): 
19,397,943USD
2020
Please provide whenever possible the share allocated by cultural sectors/domains (in %): 
This is the budget for the Ministry of Culture and its subordinate institutions.
Relevant Policies and Measures: 

The approval of the National Strategy for Culture 2019-2025

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
Ministry of Culture
Cultural domains covered by the policy/measure: 
Cine / Artes audiovisuales
Diseño
Medios de comunicación
Música
Las artes escénicas
Industria editorial
Artes visuales
Website of the policy/measure, if available: 
http://new.kultura.gov.al/programi-i-kultures-2019-2025/
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
The National Strategy for Culture 2019-2025, approved by the decision of the Council of Ministers no. 903, dated 24.12.2019 "On the approval of the national strategy for culture, 2019–2025" is in line with the principles of the UNESCO Convention 2005 as well as with the New European Agenda for Culture 2018. The strategic priorities of the National Strategy for Culture 2019-2025, in line with the Albanian Government's program and medium-term budget planning, are: • Improvement and expanding of the cultural market through a legislation to the benefit of creators, artistic and cultural creativity and of cultural heritage, as well as drafting of a new package of support schemes of the Ministry of Culture; • Preservation and protection of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage; • Supporting creativity and creative activity of Albanian artists through the enhancement of cultural activities and the involvement of artists; • Promotion and representation of the values of Albanian art and tangible and intangible cultural heritage at important international events; • Successful implementation of the National Platform "Education through Art" in all arts and heritage institutions, as well as in pre-university system; • Strengthening public and private partnerships for projects in national culture heritage recreational centres;
Does it specifically target young people?: 
YES
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
Some of the planned measures have started to be implemented, but the pandemic delayed the work in this direction. Institutions are preparing respective action plans.
Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
NO
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure: 
Name of partner: 
All cultural agencies, as well partners from academic institutions, private sector and civil society

Law 27/2018 “On Cultural Heritage and Museum”

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
Ministry of Culture
Website of the policy/measure, if available: 
http://kultura.gov.al/ligje-4/
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
On May 17, 2018, the Albanian Parliament approved the new law on cultural heritage and museums (Official Gazette No.86, 12 June 2018). The law contributes to the preservation of the national identity and to the promotion of the cultural development of the country. It aims at the conservation, protection, evaluation and management of the Albania’s national cultural heritage, including museums. Referring to the best models in Europe, it also law aims to empower cultural institutions across the country. In addition the Law is in line with UNESCO conventions in the field of culture and sets up rules on the international movement of cultural assets, partially aligned with the EU acquis. Through detailed provisions it regulates: Trade in cultural assets, Obligations of the cultural properties trader, Free movement license, Entry of cultural property into the territory of the Republic of Albania, etc.
Does it specifically target young people?: 
NO
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
The law is in the implementation phase. Many by-laws have been adopted, new institutions have been created, while the rest of the bylaws are still in progress.
Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
NO
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure: 
Name of partner: 
All agencies involved in the field, as well partners from academic institutions, private sector and Civil society

Establishment of "The National Book and Reading Center"

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
Ministry of Culture
The National Book and Reading Center
Cultural domains covered by the policy/measure: 
Industria editorial
Website of the policy/measure, if available: 
https://qkll.gov.al/
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
The National Book and Reading Center, NLC, was established by DCM. Nr. 24, dated 16.1.2019. The purpose of this is to follow and implement projects in the field of books, aiming to spread the culture of reading throughout the country and abroad. In this context, it designs programs, finances projects in the field of books, supports the publication of books and magazines in the field of literature and social sciences, creates the conditions to promote literary creativity, provides financial support and organizes competitions for awarding national literary prizes. The center realizes and promotes international collaborations, translations of works by Albanian authors in foreign languages and foreign ones in Albanian, presents Albanian literature at the international level and promotes the development of the books network throughout the country.
Does it specifically target young people?: 
YES
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
Some of the projects implemented in 2020 are: "Supporting children's literary creativity"; "Translation Fund from Albanian to Foreign Languages"; "Translation Fund from Foreign Language into Albanian"; "Quarantine Competition", a project that aimed to support and stimulate creativity in the difficult period of the pandemic by providing direct funding to the authors. "Literary Creativity Fund for Youth", -Work continues on the national literary awards that will be announced in December, in 6 categories of creations. Collaboration projects with libraries are also being planned, also in digitalization. The open call "Projects 2020" has been announced, where 5 projects have been realized.
Financial resources allocated to the policy/measure in USD: 

200713.10 USD

Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
YES
If yes, what are the main conclusions/recommendations?: 

In the coming years the Center will consolidate its activity by increasing the number of partners and increasing the number of financially supported projects.

Albania's participation in the Venice Biennale

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
Ministry of Culture
Cultural domains covered by the policy/measure: 
Cine / Artes audiovisuales
Diseño
Medios de comunicación
Música
Las artes escénicas
Artes visuales
Website of the policy/measure, if available: 
https://www.labiennale.org/en/architecture/2021
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
Albania's participation in the Venice Biennale has already become a tradition. The Ministry of Culture, in the role of commissioner of the Albanian pavilion, through an open call receives proposals for the realization of this pavilion in the annual editions of La Biennale di Venezia. The projects are selected by an international jury and at the end of the three stages of the selective process the winning team or artist is selected.
Does it specifically target young people?: 
YES
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
Promotion of Albanian art and culture in an important event such as the Venice Biennale. -At the 16th International Architecture Exhibition titled “Freespace, that ran from May 26th to November 25th 2018 in the Giardini and Arsenale venues, and in other locations in Venice, Albania was represented with the project titled "Space zero" and developed by “VARKA arkitekturë”. -The 58th International Art Exhibition, titled "May You Live In Interesting Times", organized by La Biennale di Venezia, took place from 11th May to 24th November 2019. Albanian representative project "Maybe the cosmos is not so extraordinary" by Driant Zeneli, is a sculptural video installation whose title derives from the science fiction novel "On the Way to Epsilon Eridani" (1983) by Albanian writer Arion Hysenbegasi. The installation develops from a two-channel film set in the mines of Bulqize, a city in the north-east of the country. -The 17th International Architecture Exhibition which will be open to the public from May 22nd until November 21st 2021. This time the project that will represent Albania at the Biennale Architettura 2020 is “In our home” developed by Fiona Mali, Irola Andoni, Malvina Ferra, Rudina Breçani and Thomas Logoreci. The signed Hospitality Agreement and the fee for 2020 will be valid for the use of the space also for the edition of 2021 (value 109,800 euro, VAT included). The Ministry of Culture will support the curatorial team with an amount of 60,000 euro.
Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
NO

Media Diversity

Public service media has a legal or statutory remit to promote a diversity of cultural expressions: 
YES
Policies and measures promote content diversity in programming by supporting: 
Regional and/or local broadcasters
Linguistic diversity in media programming
Community programming for marginalised groups (e.g. indigenous peoples, migrants and refugees, etc.)
Socio-cultural programming (e.g. children, youth, people with disabilities, etc.)
Domestic content regulations for audio-visual media exist (e.g. quotas for production or distribution requirements for national films, TV series or music on radio): 
YES
Regulatory authority(ies) monitoring media exist: 
YES
If YES, please provide the name and year of establishment of the regulatory authority(ies): 
The Audiovisual Media Authority, AMA, is the regulatory institution in the audio and audiovisual market in Albania. The institution was established in 1999, pursuant to the law on audiovisual media, approved on September 30,1998 by the Albanian Parliament
If YES, these regulatory authority(ies) monitor: 
Public media
Community media
Private sector media
Online media
If YES, these regulatory authority(ies) are responsible for: 
Issuing licenses to broadcasters, content providers, platforms
Receiving and addressing public complaints such as online harassment, fake news, hate speech, etc.
Monitoring cultural (including linguistic) obligations
Monitoring gender equality in the media
Monitoring diversity in media ownership (diversity of ownership structures, transparency of ownership rules, limits on ownership concentration, etc.)
Relevant Policies and Measures: 
-

Entorno digital

Policies, measures or mechanisms are in place to support the digital transformation of cultural and creative industries and institutions (e.g. funding for digitization of analogue industries): 
YES
Policies or measures have been introduced to ensure vibrant domestic digital cultural and creative industries markets with a diversity of e-players of all sizes (e.g. fair remuneration rules; control market concentration; prevention of monopolies of digital content providers/distributors or their algorithms that potentially restrict the diversity of cultural expressions, etc.):: 
NO
Policies and measures have been implemented to enhance access to and discoverability of domestically produced cultural content in the digital environment (e.g. action plans or policies for digital content pluralism, public support to cultural or artistic portals in specific languages, national or regional online distribution platforms for domestic content, etc.): 
YES
Measures and initiatives have been implemented to promote digital creativity and competencies of artists and other cultural professionals working with new technologies (e.g. spaces for experimentation, incubators, etc.): 
YES
Statistics or studies with recent data on access to digital media, including on the type of cultural content available through digital media, are available: 
NO
Relevant Policies and Measures: 

Digitalization Center in National Institute for Cultural Heritage and project "Empowering museums through technology”

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
National Institute for Cultural Heritage
Ministry of Culture
Albanian - American Development Foundation
Website of the policy/measure, if available: 
http://iktk.gov.al/site/
http://new.kultura.gov.al/
https://www.aadf.org/
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
-Considering the process of digitalization of heritage as a challenge of the future, the Ministry of Culture has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, with Albanian - American Development Foundation (AADF), for the establishment of the Digital Platform for Cultural Heritage Sector (or Digitalization Center) with dedicated space, technological equipment of high standards and staff qualified. This unit is a structure of the Institute of Cultural Monuments, a subordinate institution of the Ministry of Culture. Its establishment is in the continuation of the project "Empowering museums through technologyl". Two years ago, AADF and the Ministry of Culture signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the development and improvement through technology of the two national museums dedicated to medieval art and iconography, namely the National Museum of Iconography ONUFRI in Berat and the National Museum of Medieval Art in Korça. The project is divided into three phases, the evaluation of museum collections, their digitization and the implementation of interactive technology in museums. For this project AADF allocated a budget of 650,000 USD. -The National Institute of Cultural Heritage administers the National Webgis platform of the cultural monuments and sites and also the national webgis platform of the archaeological designated zones and archaeological service in Albania. Cultural heritage properties are registered in the database administered by the National Institute of registration of Cultural Heritage. Information on values, state of conservation for each monument and cultural heritage site is provided through the individual monuments’ files which can be visualized by clicking on specific monuments or designated areas in the Webgis platform.
Does it specifically target young people?: 
NO
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
This project aims to amplify the unique value of these museums by merging cultural heritage and new technology, both promising assets for a sustainable development of museum as main pillars of cultural tourism industry. At the end of the first phase, which consisted of evaluating the collections of the two aforementioned museums and training their staff to use RTI and 3D photography methods, follows the second one for the digitization of museum collections with advanced technology, in function preserving, promoting and wider public access to them.
Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
NO
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure: 
Name of partner: 
Albanian - American Development Foundation
Type of entity: 
Private Sector

The electronic ticketing system

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
Ministry of Culture
Albanian - American Development Foundation
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
The Ministry of Culture in cooperation with AADF have enabled the installation of the electronic ticketing system in several cultural sites and museums of special interest, such as: National Historical Museum in Tirana; "Gjergj Kastrioti" Museum and Ethnographic Museum in Kruja; Berat Castle and Onufri Museum in Berat; Archaeological Park of Apollonia, Fier; Rozafa Castle in Shkodra; Gjirokastra Castle in Gjirokastra. The installation of electronic tickets on these sites will continue further in the central institutions of art and culture. Formalizing the ticket collection process for these sites will increase efficiency and will lead to the implementation of modern financial reporting. Site managers will directly benefit from the data collection capabilities that these systems provide because it will simplify planning and improve resource allocation.
Does it specifically target young people?: 
NO
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
Formalization of the procedure of sale and recognition of ticket revenues; Implementation of electronic financial reporting systems in real time; Increase administrative capacity to use electronic ticketing systems.
Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
NO
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure: 
Name of partner: 
Albanian - American Development Foundation
Type of entity: 
Private Sector

The "3D-IMP-ACT" project, Virtual reality and 3D experiences

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
Politecnico di Bari (IT)
Website of the policy/measure, if available: 
https://3dimpact.italy-albania-montenegro.eu/
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
3D-IMP-ACT, Virtual reality and 3D experiences to IMProve territorial Attractiveness, Cultural heritage smart management and Touristic development is a project under "The Interreg IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro Programme", co-funded by the European Union through the Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA II). It aims to enhance a cross border smart and sustainable tourism management, and promote the protection of natural and cultural assets of world heritage sites. The project will employ the latest technology in the fields of 3D and virtual reality, in order to promote touristic attractiveness of the region, by enhancing cooperation between universities and public bodies in dealing with the preservation, management and promotion of cultural assets. It will result in the creation of an interregional network of historic sites and the development of innovative fruition and enhancement models and products.
Does it specifically target young people?: 
YES
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
Main outputs of the project are: Photorealistic 3D documentation of pilot-cases; Virtual /Augmented reality models and 3D artefacts/environments of historic sites; Laboratories for 3D and digital technologies in Albania and Montenegro; Web-GIS based mapping of historic sites and territorial networks. Thus, through the implementation of this project, so far it has been achieved, among other things, to make available a virtual tour of the Archaeological Park of Apollonia, in Albania.
Financial resources allocated to the policy/measure in USD: 

N/A

Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
NO
If yes, what are the main conclusions/recommendations?: 
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure: 
Name of partner: 
National Institute for Cultural Heritage (AL)
Type of entity: 
Public Sector
Name of partner: 
Universiteti Politeknik i Tiranës (AL) (Polytechnic University of Tirana)
Type of entity: 
Public Sector

Partnering with Civil Society

Professional organizations and/or trade unions representing artists and/or cultural professionals in the following sectors exist in your country (i.e. federation of musicians, publishers unions, etc.): 
Cinema/Audiovisual arts
Design
Media Arts
Music
Publishing
Visual Arts
Performing Arts
Public funding schemes supporting CSOs involvement in promoting the diversity of cultural expressions exist: 
YES
Training and mentoring opportunities were organized or supported by public authorities during the last 4 years to build skills on communication, advocacy and/or fundraising of civil society organizations involved in the promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions: 
YES
Dialogue mechanisms between public authorities and CSOs for cultural policy making and/or monitoring have been implemented during the last 4 years (meetings, working groups, etc.): 
YES
If YES, please provide up to 2 examples: 
Consultation meetings with representatives of NGO-s and unions representing artists and/or cultural professionals, for drafting the National Strategy for Culture 2019-2025
Consultation meetings with representatives of NGO-s and different stakeholders for drafting Law 27/2018 “On Cultural Heritage and Museums”
Policies and measures promoting the diversity of cultural expressions have been elaborated in consultation with CSOs during the last 4 years: 
YES
Relevant Policies and Measures: 

Financial support of cultural projects proposed by civil society

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
Ministry of Culture
Cultural domains covered by the policy/measure: 
Diseño
Medios de comunicación
Música
Las artes escénicas
Artes visuales
Website of the policy/measure, if available: 
http://new.kultura.gov.al/hapen-thirrjet-per-projekte-kulturore-per-vitin-2020/
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
Every year, through cultural projects supported by open calls and direct funding by Moc various creators, NGO-s and unions of artists have been helped to fulfill their ideas and develop their creative projects. This policy aims to: - Fund cultural projects and events of national significance and help development of alternative source of funding (public or private). - Supporting artists and the development of culture, innovation and creative industries in Albania and internationally. In recent years, this policy encourages projects that focus on innovation in the service of cultural attractions, that promote creative industries, digital culture, AR platforms and Virtual Reality Tour 360 °, audio-guides, etc. The cinematography and publishing projects are supported by respective centers, depending on the MoC.
Does it specifically target young people?: 
YES
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
Many independent artists and artists' associations have benefited from these funds over the years. The motto for 2020 was "The future is in origin" with a focus on "Tradition as a guide for 2030" and "Culture as an engine of economic development". 96 projects from different fields of art, culture, creative industries and heritage have been selected and implemented.
Financial resources allocated to the policy/measure in USD: 

1228161.93 USD

Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
YES
If yes, what are the main conclusions/recommendations?: 

Through this measure the community of creators and cultural professionals has been further strengthened, and the artistic life in the country has been enriched.

Goal 2 - Achieve a Balanced Flow of Cultural Goods and Services and Increase the Mobility of Artists and Cultural Professionals

Mobility of Artists and Cultural Professionals

Please indicate if the following policies and measures exist in your country: 
Policies and measures supporting the outward mobility of artists and cultural professionals (e.g. export offices, support for participation in international cultural markets for cultural professionals, etc.)
Please indicate if the following operational programmes have been developed or supported/funded by public authorities during the last 4 years: 
Information resources or training services providing practical guidance to facilitate the mobility of cultural professionals (e.g. Internet platforms)
Major cultural events (e.g. cultural seasons, festivals, cultural industries markets, etc.) having a mandate to promote the diversity of cultural expressions and hosting a large number of foreign artists, notably from developing countries
Please indicate if the following mobility funds (e.g. scholarships, travel grants, etc.) have been managed or supported by public authorities during the last 4 years: 
Public funds supporting the outward mobility of national or resident artists and other cultural professionals
Public funds supporting the inward mobility of foreign artists and other cultural professionals, notably from developing countries
Relevant Policies and Measures: 

“3C - Cross-border exchange for the development of Cultural and Creative industries”

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
Ministarstvo kulture Crne Gore (ME)
Website of the policy/measure, if available: 
https://3c.italy-albania-montenegro.eu/
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
“3C - Cross-border exchange for the development of Cultural and Creative industries” project (2019 / 2022) is supported under Interreg IPA CBC Programme Italy- Albania - Montenegro and it aims to enhance the cooperation of relevant actors in the programming area, through the establishment of innovative cultural and creative centers with residential arts programs and the creation of joint cross-border cooperation networks. By revitalizing heritage through contemporary art the project will contribute to the integration of the cultural sector in the project territories through the exchange of information, knowledge, experience and creative potential. The results of the project are related to the establishment of residential arts programs, the opening of three multifunctional cultural centres in Montenegro, Italy and Albania and the establishment of a regional network of cultural entrepreneurs, with the aim of developing creative industries. In addition to the Ministry of Culture of Montenegro, which is the lead partner in project implementation, project partners are the Ministry of Economy of Montenegro, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Albania, Institute of Cultural Monuments “Gani Strazimiri”, Albania, Puglia Region – Department of Tourism, etc.
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
N/A
Financial resources allocated to the policy/measure in USD: 

N/A

Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
NO
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure: 
Name of partner: 
Ministria e Kultures (AL) (Ministry of Culture)
Type of entity: 
Public Sector
Name of partner: 
Instituti i Monumenteve të Kulturës “Gani Strazimiri” (AL) (Now: National Institute of Cultural heritage)
Type of entity: 
Public Sector
Name of partner: 
Qendra Kombëtare e Kinematografisë (AL) (National Center of Cinematography)
Type of entity: 
Public Sector

Flow of Cultural Goods and Services

Export strategies or measures to support the distribution of cultural goods and services outside your country exist for the following cultural domains: 
Cinema/Audiovisual arts
Music
Publishing
Visual Arts
Performing Arts
Your country has granted or benefited from preferential treatment* to support a balanced exchange of cultural goods and services in the last 4 years: 
YES, I have granted preferential treatment
If YES, please provide up to 2 examples: 
Cooperation Agreement between the Ministry of Culture and the network "TRADUKI"
Your country has provided or benefited in the last 4 years from Aid for Trade support, a form of Official Development Assistance (ODA), that helped to build capacities to formulate trade policies, participate in negotiating and implementing agreements that provide a special status to cultural goods and services: 
-
If YES, please provide up to 2 examples: 
-
Relevant Policies and Measures: 

Building capabilities of the Albanian public administration on free movement and fight against illicit trafficking of cultural goods

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
Ministry of Culture
National Institute for Cultural Heritage Registration
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
This project consists of technical assistance provided by the European Commission in order to fully align the national legislation of Albania with the Union acquis in the field of fight against illicit trafficking of cultural goods. The purpose of the project is building up technical and professional capacities and enhancing expertise of the Albanian public administration staff responsible for implementation of the procedures for free movement of cultural goods and the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural goods, in accordance with EU Directives and Regulation, and national legislation.
Does it specifically target young people?: 
NO
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
The project is still ongoing.
Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
NO
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure: 
Name of partner: 
European Commission (Donor organisation)
Type of entity: 
Public Sector

Tratados y acuerdos

Multilateral or bilateral trade and/or investment agreements providing a special status to cultural goods and/or services have been signed during the last 4 years or are under negociation: 
UNDER NEGOTIATION
Multilateral or bilateral agreements including specific provisions providing a special status to cultural goods and services and digital products in the field of e-commerce have been signed during the last 4 years or are under negotiation: 
NO
Multilateral or bilateral agreements, declarations and/or strategies on relevant policy issues for the diversity of cultural expressions (e.g. education, digital, intellectual property, sustainable development, gender equality, etc.) signed or amended to take into account the objectives or principles of the Convention during the last 4 years: 
YES
Relevant Policies and Measures: 

Strengthening international cooperation and partnership in protection and promotion of art, culture and diversity of cultural expressions.

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
Ministry of Culture
Cultural domains covered by the policy/measure: 
Cine / Artes audiovisuales
Diseño
Medios de comunicación
Música
Las artes escénicas
Industria editorial
Artes visuales
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
The relationship with TRADUKI, as one of the active and influential networks of European literature, was institutionalized on 23.01.2014, through the signing of the framework agreement by the Minister of Culture and Director of TRADUKI Ms. Antje Contius. Thus, the cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and the "TRADUKI" network has continued over the years. After the Center was created, it has followed and continued communication with members of this network and has participated in two meetings (online conference), during this year. The cooperation has been fruitful and a number of projects as translations, literary residences, participation in fairs, etc. have been discussed. In addition the Ministry of Culture has concluded many agreements in various fields of arts and heritage. For 2020, 3 agreements have been signed with Kosovo, such as: 1. Joint Cultural Calendar Annual Albania-Kosovo, for the year 2020. 2. Film Co-production Agreement between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of the Republic of Kosovo and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Albania. 3. Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Albania and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports of Kosovo for cooperation in the field of books and publishing. An agreement has also been signed between the Ministry of Culture and the European Union for the revitalization of cultural heritage in Albania. There are 16 agreements in process between the Ministry of Culture or subordinate institutions and Ministries and counterpart institutions in: Italy, Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, Spain, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Iran, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, etc.
Does it specifically target young people?: 
NO
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
An enhanced intercultural cooperation and recognition of Albanian culture in the outside world as well as other cultures in Albania.
Financial resources allocated to the policy/measure in USD: 

N/A

Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
NO
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure: 
Name of partner: 
Respective Ministries or other partners abroad
Type of entity: 
Public Sector

Goal 3 - Integrate Culture in Sustainable Development Frameworks

National Sustainable Development Policies & Plans

National sustainable development plans and strategies recognize the strategic role of: 
Culture (in general)
Please rate from 1 to 4 the type of outcomes expected by the inclusion of culture in national sustainable development plans and strategies 1 most often expected outcome 4 least expected outcome): 
Economic (e.g. employment, trade, intellectual property, cultural and creative industries, rural and territorial development): 
1
Social (e.g. social cohesion and inclusion, inequality and poverty reduction, values and identity, vulnerable and minority groups, empowerment and human capital, education): 
1
Environmental (e.g. natural resources, reducing environmental impact of cultural industries and practices): 
3
Cultural (e.g. cultural infrastructure, participation and access to culture, innovation, artists support): 
1
Public cultural bodies and agencies responsible for culture or creative industries are involved in the design and implementation of sustainable development policies and plans (i.e. participate in coordination mechanisms such as joint planning committees): 
YES
Cultural industry-led regeneration initiatives and projects at the regional, urban and/or rural levels have been implemented in the last 4 years: 
YES
Policies and measures facilitate participation in cultural life and access to diverse cultural facilities and expressions, notably addressing the needs of disadvantaged or vulnerable groups (e.g. via reduced entrance fees; audience development, arts education and audiences awareness-raising): 
YES
Latest data on cultural participation rates by socio demographic variables (sex/age groups/rural- urban/income levels/education levels): 
Total number of spectators in the main cultural institutions (5 theatres): Year 2018 - 216950 Year 2019 - 223614 For the first three months of 2020 - 31871. During the rest of the year, due to restrictions on preventing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, cultural activity in arts and culture institutions has been suspended. Visitors to museums and cultural heritage sites: Year 2017 - 669110 Year 2018 - 998441 Year 2019 - 1065007 Time period January-September 2020 - 155474
Relevant Policies and Measures: 

"Cultural heritage, engine of development"

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
Ministry of Culture
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
"Cultural heritage, engine of development" is a program of the Ministry of Culture to turn heritage into an economic value. During the reporting period 2017-2020, the restoration and revitalization of historical centers and cultural monuments that have a potential for cultural tourism has continued. The return of tangible and intangible cultural heritage as an important potential still unexploited, into a year-round tourist destination and a catalyst for sustainable economic development, requires the preservation and rehabilitation of its values.
Does it specifically target young people?: 
NO
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
This program of restoration and revitalization of historical centers and cultural monuments, combined with the National Program for Urban Renaissance undertaken by the Albanian Government is a model of success, and as such will continue in 2021. This big national program for urban transforming of the cities was extended and implemented to 70 cities, started with the project for the reconstruction of one of the squares of the city center of Korça, the Theatre Square. The National Program for Urban Renaissance is a program not only of urban but also of a social and economic impact. The program has caused many cities to emerge from their "old" frames and to radically transform themselves into tourist attractions, thus creating a positive impact on the economy of the country.
Financial resources allocated to the policy/measure in USD: 
Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
NO
If yes, what are the main conclusions/recommendations?: 
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure: 
Name of partner: 
Albanian Government
Type of entity: 
Public Sector

International Cooperation for Sustainable Development

Your country has contributed to or benefited from the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) during the last 4 years: 
YES, my country has contributed to the IFCD
YES, a public body or a non-governmental organization in my country has benefited from the IFCD
Development cooperation strategies, including South-South cooperation strategies, recognize the strategic role of creativity and diverse cultural expressions: 
NO
If YES, please provide the name(s) of the strategy and year(s) of adoption: 
-
Your country manages multi- and/or bilateral technical assistance and capacity building cooperation programmes supporting: 
-
Value of the total national contribution to the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (in USD): 
7,150.00
2018
Relevant Policies and Measures: 

The participation in the program "Creative Europe"

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
Ministry of Culture
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
"Creative Europe 2014 - 2020" is the European Commission's framework programme for support to the culture and audiovisual sectors. In the framework of membership and participation in this programme, the call for the countries of the Western Balkans was announced, with no. 39/2019, entitled "Strengthening cultural cooperation and competition of cultural and creative industries in the Western Balkans". Participation in community programs foster cooperation, promote the mobility of artists and creators, as well as the production and distribution of their works.
Does it specifically target young people?: 
NO
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
Various artists, cultural and audiovisual professionals as well as organizations operating in the field of performing arts, visual arts, publishing, film, TV, music, interdisciplinary arts, video game industries, etc. have received financial support. In 2019 for Culture Sub-Program, for literary translations strand, 2 Albanian applicants were selected for funding respectively: - “Albas” Editing House 58127.37 Euro - “Dituria” Editing House 59979.60 Euro For the Call on “Support for European Cooperation Projects”, Ministry of Culture organized an Info-Day on 16 Oct. 2019. There was one application from Albania but it was not selected for funding. For Media Sub-Program There was one indirect beneficiary of 25 000 Euro – because of participation of Albanian Movies in the event of "Transilvania International Film Festival 2019" Rumania. For 2020, there were 300 applicants, of which about 30 applications from institutions and NGOs operating in the field of art and culture from Albania. Out of 13 winning projects, 7 of them are from Albania: NGOs and public cultural institutions, as follows: - "POETEKA Association" (2 times winner); - "Brick"; - "Relationship Center"; - “Vox Baroque”; - "Sparrow Center"; - "National Historical Museum". During the reporting period, the Ministry organized two information sessions about the program and call 39/2019, for the sub-program of culture and media.
Financial resources allocated to the policy/measure in USD: 

The Ministry of Culture has enabled membership in this programme, specifically, in its two sub-branches (Media and Culture) with the payment of a membership fee of 150,000 euros a year (95,000 Euros for "Media" and 55,000 Euros for "Culture"). This amount has been fully paid for the first year (2015) and in other years until 2020, the EU has and will reimburse this amount by 80%, to ensure a better and more comprehensive access for applicants to these programmes.

Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
NO

The project “Towards strengthened governance of the shared transboundary natural and cultural heritage of the Lake Ohrid region”

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
European Union and UNESCO
Website of the policy/measure, if available: 
https://www.iucn.org/news/eastern-europe-and-central-asia/201907/celebrating-extension-ohrid-region-world-heritage-site-albania
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
The Ministry of Culture is Partner in the project “Towards strengthened governance of the shared transboundary natural and cultural heritage of the Lake Ohrid Region”, a three-year European Union and UNESCO project to reinforce the protection and sustainable development of the Lake Ohrid region. The project is coordinated by UNESCO in partnership with the authorities of both countries Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (respective Ministries of Culture, Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as well as the three Advisory Bodies to the World Heritage Convention (ICOMOS International, IUCN and ICCROM), and is financed by the European Union with the co-financing by the government of Albania. A series of management planning workshops, transboundary meetings, technical working meetings, interpretation and soft tourism workshops, including awareness raising activities, brochures and other promotional materiales have been implemented and produced in the framework of this project under the coordination of advisoty bodies, IUCN, ICOMOS and ICCROM. Besides supporting the preparation of a nomination file for the extension of the Ohrid Region World Heritage site in Albania (the remaining one-third of the lake), the project also covered the reinforcement of transboundary cooperation, profiling of the transboundary area and its sustainable tourism opportunities and engagement of communities in the nomination proces as well as the implementation of a waste awareness campaign.
Does it specifically target young people?: 
NO
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
The Lake Ohrid region, a mixed World Heritage property, was first inscribed for its nature conservation values in 1979 and for its cultural heritage values a year later. These inscriptions related to the part of the lake located in North Macedonia. The property was extended to include the rest of Lake Ohrid, located in Albania, at the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee held in Baku, Azerbaijan on July 5, 2019. The Ohrid Region WH extension is an excellent example of upstream process and advice provided by the Advisory Bodies to the State Party in the course of World Heritage nomination.
Financial resources allocated to the policy/measure in USD: 
Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
NO
If yes, what are the main conclusions/recommendations?: 
Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure: 
Name of partner: 
Ministry of Culture
Type of entity: 
Public Sector
Name of partner: 
Ministry of Tourism and Environment
Type of entity: 
Public Sector

The celebration of the 60th anniversary of Albania's membership in UNESCO

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
Ministry of Culture
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
Following the cooperation with UNESCO, in the framework of the 60th anniversary of the membership of the Albanian state in the largest international organization in the field of culture, the Ministry of Culture together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized several activities.
Does it specifically target young people?: 
NO
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
Were organised these activities: The conference "Albania - 60 years in UNESCO ”in Tirana (October 2018); The iconographic exhibition“ A Window in the Albanian Medieval Art ”at the UNESCO headquarters, Paris (November 2018); The long-term exhibition of the Albanian icon "Resurrection of Lazarus" at the UNESCO Headquarters, (November 2019); as well as some promotional publications in English, such as: "Albania 60 years in UNESCO" brochure, a catalog of icons entitled "A Window in the Albanian Medieval Art", leaflets, etc.
Financial resources allocated to the policy/measure in USD: 

N/A

Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
YES
If yes, what are the main conclusions/recommendations?: 

These events aroused great interest and had many participants and visitors in both countries.

Partner(s) engaged in the implementation of the measure: 
Name of partner: 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Type of entity: 
Public Sector

Goal 4 - Promote Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

Gender Equality

Ministries, governmental agencies and/or parliamentary bodies in charge of gender equality: 
Exist but are not relevant for artists and cultural professionals
Policies and measures to support the full participation of women in cultural life have been implemented during the last 4 years: 
YES
Policies and measures have been adopted to support the recognition and advancement of women as artists, cultural professionals and/or creative entrepreneurs, (e.g. ensure equal pay for equal work or equal access to funding, coaching or mentoring schemes, anti-discrimination measures, etc.): 
-
Data is regularly collected and disseminated to monitor: 
Gender equality in the culture and media sectors
Relevant Policies and Measures: 

Inclusion of gender equality in budget programs, encouragement for women as creators, artisans and cultural entrepreneurs.

Name of agency responsible for the implementation of the policy/measure: 
Ministry of Culture
Describe the main features of the policy/measure: 
The Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth and the Ministry of Finance in close cooperation with the UN WOMEN office in Albania, have undertaken the initiative of integrating the principles of Gender Budgeting (GB) in the annual and medium-term budget programming processes. Following the Council of Ministers approved Decision no. 465 “On gender mainstreaming in the Medium Term Budget Program (MTBP)”. This decision aims to integrate the principles of gender budgeting in the budgeting process, in order to facilitate or eliminate gender inequalities in various areas that have been affected by public policies. At the end of the MTBP 2017-2019 preparation process, the number of institutions with such budget programs reached 24 and Ministry of Culture is one of them.
Does it specifically target young people?: 
NO
Does the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) support the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
NO
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the policy/measure?: 
Encouragement for women as creators, artisans and cultural entrepreneurs. and an enhanced participation of women at different stages of the cultural value chain. For the year 2019, the number of women artisans who have received financial support only from open call for projects is about 30% of the total beneficiaries. Many women were beneficiaries with other cultural projects, as artists or organizers of cultural projects such as shows, concerts, innovative projects, etc.
Has the implementation of the policy/measure been evaluated?: 
NO

Libertad artística

The constitution and/or national regulatory frameworks formally acknowledge: 
The right of artists to create without censorship or intimidation
The right of artists to disseminate and/or perform their artistic works
The right for all citizens to freely enjoy artistic works both in public and in private
The right for all citizens to take part in cultural life without restrictions
Independent bodies are established to receive complaints and/or monitor violations and restrictions to artistic freedom: 
YES
Initiatives to protect artists at risk or in exile have been developed or supported by public authorities during the last 4 years (e.g. providing safe houses, guidance and training, etc.): 
-
Measures and initiatives intended to ensure transparent decision-making on government funding/ state grants and awards for artists exist (e.g. through independent committees, etc.): 
YES
Social protection measures that take the professional status of artists into account have been adopted or revised in the last 4 years (e.g. health insurance, retirement schemes, unemployment benefits, etc.): 
NO
Economic measures that take the status of artists into account have been adopted or revised in the last 4 years (e.g. collective agreements, income tax and other regulatory frameworks, etc.): 
NO
Relevant Policies and Measures: 
-

Measures and Initiatives reported by Civil Society Organizations

Describe how the CSO form has been used to promote collaboration with CSOs in the preparation of this report, including the distribution of the form and the modalities of collection and analysis of the information received. Please indicate the percentage of measures and initiatives received that have been considered as relevant by the Party and included in the QPR.: 
We have distributed the form to some civil society partners, but due to various reasons such as working conditions during the pandemic or lack of competent knowledge of a foreign language, only one association has responded, namely EKPHRASIS STUDIO, the only one that has benefited from the Cultural Diversity Fund.
GOAL 1 - Support sustainable systems of governance for culture: 

Engaging Tirana’s communities in Public Arts and Policy Development

Name of CSO(s) responsible for the implementation of the measure/initiative: 
EKPHRASIS STUDIO
Cultural domains covered by the measure/initiative: 
Cine / Artes audiovisuales
Música
Las artes escénicas
Artes visuales
Website of the measure/initiative, if available: 
http://www.HARP.al
Describe the main features of the measure/initiative: 
- Raise awareness about art in public and shared spaces in Albania by conducting and publishing research - Strengthening institutional cooperation by creating sustainable cooperative networks - Submitting policy recommendations and an action plan - Engaging communities in Tirana through participative activities - Contribute to a sustainable system of governance for public art though the introduction of a participatory process involving cross-sectorial cooperation and civil society engagement - Targeting excluded groups in order to widen their participation in the creation and production of public art - Supports policy measures to improve gender equality in public art and encourage themes that reflect on gender equality
Does it specifically target young people?: 
YES
Does this measure/initiative receive or has it received International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) funding?: 
YES
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the measure/initiative?: 
- Signed Memorandum of Collaboration with Tirana Municipality and Ministry of Culture. Informaction exchange and making information accessible to the public. - 1st digital Public Arts Map with over 430 entries - Free online and 100 copies of printed publication Artistic Expressions in Tirana- Past and Present - 3000 printed brochures on HARP project - Website/ documentation and promotion www.HARP.al - 430 hours of public art workshops - 1 International Conference on Arts in Public Spaces - Promotion of gender diversity, LGBTQ+ community, and support of about 70% women engaged in the project - Campaigns for raising awareness on public arts and decision making - Collaboration and support with artists and other CSOs - 770 surveys (Report 1 and Report 2)collected from businesses, communities, CSOs and various stakeholders, for recommendations on Public Arts Policy and Action Plan 5yrs. - Development and Implementation of 4 Community Public Art Projects led by 4 creative women - Bottom up development of Recommendations for Civil-Public-Private Partnership in Public Art Policy and Action Plan 2019-2025 documents submitted to Tirana Municipality and Ministry of Culture.
GOAL 2 - Achieve a balanced flow of cultural goods and services and increase the mobility of artists and cultural professionals: 
-
GOAL 3 - Integrate culture in sustainable development frameworks: 
-
GOAL 4 - Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms: 
-
On the basis of the analysis of the responses provided through the CSO form, present up to ten main priorities of CSOs to implement the Convention over the next four years.: 
- Monitoring of public policies/ strategies and gathering of data and statistics in the arts, culture, creative economy, etc. in order to have a diversity of sources collecting information, in order to supplement and compare data. In most cases public institutions are given priority towards such grants, like grants from EuroStat, but public institutions in some countries, like Albania are not always capable of gathering and disseminating data, public administration changes lead to incomplete projects, but many experts engaged with CSOs could do a better job, and should be supported in such activities, also in collaboration with the public and private sector. - Innovation and Digital development- Creative Methodologies to Problem Solving and Freedom of Expression in shared Public Spaces. Several Activist/ Activist public artworks targeting government, political, social affairs, were immediately destroyed by public institutions, and several communities in Tirana have complained about artworks they don’t like by artists sometimes supported by public institutions, thus digital platforms could allow for more freedom of expression. How would our communities look like if artists, citizens digitally placed their works and messages in our public shared spaces? - Participatory Governance- Engagement of communities through bottom up approach to decision making processes in public institutions. As communities are not involved in decision making, and feel, know that public institutions do not care about their opinion, they often disregard and even destroy public artworks “imposed” in their daily life.

Emerging Transversal Issues

Relevant Policies and Measures: 
-

Challenges and Achievements

Describe the main results achieved to implement the Convention (at least one major achievement in one of the four goals): 
-Creating a more effective legal framework for the protection, development and promotion of arts and cultural heritage as various forms of cultural expression.( Law 27/2018 “On Cultural Heritage and Museums", the National Strategy for Culture 2019-2025,Law 96/2017 “On the protection of national minorities in the Republic of Albania”, etc.) -Creating a favorable environment for the growth of cultural and creative products and services of the public and private sector. (Investments in the field of art as a new multi-functional stage ArTurbina and the reconstruction of the National Theater of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble) -Transforming art and cultural heritage into a driving force for the sustainable socio-economic development of the country and cultural tourism. In 2019, for the first time, over 1 million visitors were received in museums, archeological parks and cultural monuments. - Perceiving culture as catalyst of local development, the integration of the cultural values of national communities and linguistic minorities living in the country, in artistic multicultural events, festivals, etc.
Describe the main challenges encountered to implement the Convention and the main solutions found or envisaged to overcome them: 
-Conception of the state as the main financier of cultural projects and cultural institutions; -The need to improve the standards and quality of cultural products and services and increase their competitiveness; -Lack of clear definition of cultural industry; -Relatively low level of use of technology in cultural products and services; -Incomplete implementation of existing legislation; -Insufficient cross-sectorial cooperation between institutions, local government and independent operators. To minimize these challenges, awareness sessions were held on the importance of creative industries for employment and development, meetings to introduce cultural operators with projects that finance culture such as Creative Europe, Europe for Citizens, etc. and public financial assistance has been provided for projects that raise awareness and promote international cooperation in these areas. Progress has been made on setting up cross-sectorial working groups for various legal initiatives or important national actions such as the cultural tourism task force or preparing nomination files for various UNESCO lists and registers. Priority has been given to projects that promote the diversity of cultural expressions in the digital environment, while also orienting private donors in this area.
Describe the steps planned in the next four years to further implement the Convention and the priority areas identified for future policy action based on the conclusions of the current reporting process: 
In the next 4 years, Ministry of Culture aims to further support the creativity of Albanian artists and creators, to promote the activity of the independent cultural scene, and to stimulate the creative industry. The continuation of the participation of as many artists and creators in cultural activities abroad will be ensured, as well as the organization of international activities in the country. The creation of a stable legal and institutional environment will continue, working for the drafting and approval of the law "On pensions for difficult professions", the reform of the Law on Arts and Culture, the reform of the Law on Cinematography, etc. The improvement of the infrastructure and the construction of new buildings for cultural institutions will continue, such as: the National Library, the Jewish Cultural Center, the revitalization of the Spaç Prison as a cultural center, etc. The program of education through culture will continue and the involvement of young people will be encouraged both in creativity and in the enjoyment of arts and culture.

Annexes

Please upload relevant documents (law, policy, agreement, regulation, strategy, etc.), studies and statistics in PDF format related to the implementation of the 4 goals and the 11 areas of monitoring of the Convention in your country. The documents should have been produced during the reporting period covered by this periodic report. Please provide the title and a description of the main content of the document in English or French.: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon albania-cso_form.pdf157.98 KB

Submission

Designated official signing the report: 
Title: 
Ms.
First name: 
Meri
Family name: 
KUMBE
Organization: 
Ministry of Culture of Albania
Position: 
Deputy Minister of Culture
Date of submission: 
2020
Electronic Signature: 
-
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