The Council of Ministers approved the draft Programme for Cooperation in the Field of Culture between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People-s Republic of China for the period 2021 – 2024.

 “In the past, culture and art have suffered severe blows and have always emerged stronger, more powerful, more important and more fundamental to society. That-s what-s happening right now”. This is what the Minister of Culture Boil Banov said in a conversation at the studio of bTV-s TV programme “This Saturday” about the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on culture. Minister Banov spoke about the state-s support of artists from all sectors and fields of culture, confirming that as of 1 February visits to cinemas are allowed, as well as participation in creative, dance and music classes, if the establishments use 30% of the capacity of their premises and observe physical distance.

  The management of the Union of Amateur Arts Organizations (UAAO) sent a thank-you letter to the Minister of Culture Boil Banov for the good dialogue and support for the sector. In their letter they thank him and the Director of the Performing Arts and Art Education Directorate Eliyanka Mihaylova for the meetings implemented so far, the last of which was on 26 January, and express hope that a smooth and gradual exit from the crisis will be made through mutually responsible actions. As a result of the discussions, the Minister of Health issued Order No. РД-01-52/26.01.2021, which allows visits to cinemas from 1 February, as well as participation in creative, dance and music classes, if the establishments use 30% of the capacity of their premises and observe physical distance.

  From 1 February, group dance, art and music classes may be held using 30% of the total capacity of the premises in which they are being held and respecting a physical distance of at least 1.5 m between the participants. Visits to cinemas are also allowed under these conditions, as well as the mandatory requirement to wear a protective face mask. This is stipulated by the order issued tonight by the Minister of Health. It also extends the period of validity of the temporary anti-epidemic measures introduced in the country until 30 April.

  The government approved the results of the Bulgarian participation in the informal video conference of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council, part “Culture and Audiovisual”, which took place on 1 December 2020. During the agenda of the meeting, the German Presidency had envisaged an orientation debate on: Preparing for the future – Recovery of the culture and media sector from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National Film Centre celebrates the Day of the Bulgarian Cinema, 13 January, with free screenings. Taking into account the current pandemic situation, the National Film Centre executive agency will celebrate the professional holiday of persons working in the cinema industry differently with the support of Sofia Municipality and Neterra.TV+.