The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) has approved the first reading of a bill establishing new procedures for the grant financing of projects within the cultural sector.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the draft amendment to the Law on Culture was brought forward for discussion during today's parliamentary session in Baku.
During the session, it was noted that while the Law on Grants does not impose restrictions on providing grants to legal and physical persons, existing regulations approved by the Cabinet of Ministers currently only define financing procedures for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the cultural field. The new amendment aims to bridge this gap by allowing other types of legal entities and individual physical persons to participate in grant competitions for cultural events and initiatives.
The document further emphasizes that although the term "creative industries" is referenced in national strategic documents, it previously lacked a precise legal definition. To address this, the project incorporates a formal definition for "cultural and creative industries," aligning the law with the "Strategy for Socio-Economic Development for 2022-2026" and the "Azerbaijan Culture – 2040" Cultural Concept. Following the discussions, the bill was put to a vote and passed in its first reading.
This legislative move is part of Azerbaijan's broader efforts to diversify its economy by fostering a robust creative ecosystem. By expanding financial support beyond NGOs to include individual creators and private enterprises, the government seeks to stimulate innovation in arts, design, and digital media. Such reforms are essential for implementing the state's long-term vision of transforming Azerbaijan into a regional cultural hub and enhancing the global competitiveness of its creative professionals.
