National Archive Project to Support Independent Theatre & Festivals

The Ministry of Culture will launch the National Archive Project for independent troupes and festivals on December 9th, 2025. Delivered by the National Centre for Theatre, Music and Folk Arts, the project will establish a comprehensive database to document independent and free troupes across theatre, music and folk arts, and to support coordination between official institutions and civil society. The initial phase focuses on preparing an electronic registration model and designing a modern database aligned with digital governance standards. An executive committee of experts and specialists will be formed to oversee the project’s stages from development to rollout. The next phase opens registration and documentation for troupes and festivals via an electronic platform, with entries classified by artistic activity, legal status and achievements. A subsequent “networking and support” phase will convene regular meetings between independent troupes and official and civil institutions, allocate spaces for joint performances, and provide artistic and legal consultations for unregistered troupes. Further stages include specialised training in directing, performance, technical management and cultural marketing, issuing a best-practice guide, and providing oversight and artistic support to texts through writing and dramaturgy workshops. The final phase will evaluate outcomes, update the database twice a year, and issue analytical reports intended to inform cultural policy and decision-making.