The prospects for the development of the cultural sector must be directed towards its involvement in solving social problems, instead of being perceived only as a means of entertainment and leisure. In Moldova there are significant problems related to social cohesion, and culture can be actively involved in solving them. When culture is seen as a force that contributes to solving society’s problems, it can preserve its heritage, develop cultural institutions and contribute to increasing income. These ideas were presented in a report on the examination of the cultural sector in the Republic of Moldova and the concept of the new strategy for culture and heritage 2030, produced by the Public Association “Center for Cultural Policies”, IPN reports.
According to Vyacheslav Ryabchinskii, director of the Center for Cultural Policies, the research showed that cultural infrastructure cannot be seen only as a set of institutions that offer cultural services and products. In recent years, the development of cultural and creative industries, as well as changes in the ways of transmitting information, have influenced the perception of cultural infrastructure. Today, there is both mediation infrastructure and physical infrastructure. The mediation infrastructure is related to the internet connection and is the main way in which people receive access to various cultural services.
The mediation infrastructure is a beneficial direction as it can be used to promote cultural events. However, it creates very tough competition for physical infrastructure. It is therefore essential to develop cultural management strategies that respond to this challenge. At a time when the people are increasingly turning to the mediation infrastructure, the physical infrastructure must offer more attractive cultural products and services, stressed the director of the Center for Cultural Policies.
Vyacheslav Ryabchinskii also said that in the field of culture, there are many professions for which the educational institutions of the Republic of Moldova do not provide professional training. Thus, the strategy must include the development of dual education and vocational training courses for particular specialties.
Andrei Chistol, secretary of state of the Ministry of Culture, said that the process of working out the strategy will include the organization of a number of focus groups and fieldwork visits. This analysis aims to identify the topics that could be addressed within these focus groups. The presented proposals will be taken into account, but the problems that could arise as a result of the work of the focus groups must also be taken into account. The strategy should reflect the challenges in the field of culture, from human capital to the situation of cultural infrastructure.
