The Removal of the Word “National” from the Names of Cultural Institutions
The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Armenia has proposed a draft law to remove the word “national” from the names of several cultural institutions. Specifically, in the case of institutions such as the Opera and Ballet Theater, the Art Gallery, and libraries, the word “national” will be replaced with “statewide.” This was announced by Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports Daniel Danielyan during a session of the National Assembly.
Danielyan noted that Armenia will, for the first time, have a law aimed at developing cultural life, however, MP Lilit Galstyan of the “Armenia” faction expressed concerns that these changes would diminish the role of cultural institutions of national significance.
Until now, 11 exceptional cultural institutions were granted the word “national” in recognition of their importance. Nevertheless, Danielyan assured that all institutions would retain their national status.
The Chair of the Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Diaspora, Youth, and Sports, Sisak Gabrielyan, announced that a new bonus system is planned for employees of cultural institutions. The average salary at the Opera House and Puppet Theater has already reached 300,000-600,000 drams.
In September 2024, the government proposed replacing the word “national” in the names of cultural institutions with “state” to emphasize the importance of the words “state” and “statehood.”