Ministry of culture of the Republic of Tatarstan reviewed its 2008 activities

Republic of Tatarstan ministry of culture reviewed results of 2008 activities. The meeting was attended by Prime-minister of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and deputy Prime-minister of Tatarstan – RT minister for culture Zilya Valeev. In their opinion, past year was one of the most successful for the cultural sphere, though due to financial situation at international markets, fourth quarter was quite difficult.

Thus, during the last year 7 new houses of culture and clubs, 2 museums, 2 libraries were introduced into operation in the cities and districts of Tatarstan. 2 art schools moved into new premises. More than 1650 events were conducted in the Republic, among which – traditional international Shalyapin Opera and Nuriev Ballet festivals, «Golden Minbar» international cinema festival, joint Hermitage, Louvre & Kazan museums exhibit «from China to Europe. Arts of Muslim world». Among important events would be including Kazan into the route of Easter festival of Valery Gergiev and first performance of the 8th symphony of Miller in the Republic, premiers of Tatar composers performed by Russian symphonic orchestra under M.Pletnev and many others.

Last year Tatarstan spent 3 billion 737 million 100 thousand rubles on culture. Federal budget provided 136 million 850 thousand rubles, which is 2.6 times higher than in 2007.

Minister of culture views that one of the priority directions of the ministry’s activities in the coming year will be improving methodological foundations of the supplemental education system in the sphere of culture and arts.