Tirana, October 10, 2025 – The General States of Culture were held at the Kinostudio in Tirana, a symbolic venue for the Albanian cultural scene. This open and participatory meeting was organized as part of the initiative “Promoting the sustainability of cultural policies, the development of creative industries, and the promotion of human rights in Albania” funded by the Italian Cooperation in partnership with the Albanian Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
The meeting brought together approximately 100 participants, including public institutions, cultural organizations, independent artists, and industry professionals, with the aim of gathering visions, ideas, and proposals for the future National Strategy for Culture 2026–2030.
AICS Tirana is actively collaborating with the Ministry in drafting this strategic document, which is crucial for the upcoming Albanian cultural policies, with the technical support of Santagata Foundation for the Economy of Culture, an internationally recognized Italian organization focusing on study and promotion of cultural policies.
Letizia Fischioni, AICS Tirana Deputy Head of Office, highlighted how culture represents a cross-cutting element in the Italian development cooperation programme in Albania: “It is not only an expression of identity and symbolism, but also a driver of socio-economic development, capable of generating employment, innovation, and inclusion. It is a strategic tool for European and regional dialogue, for the growth of creative economies, and for the promotion of social cohesion. The goal is to build an increasingly accessible and representative cultural system, capable of engaging minorities, young people, and people with disabilities, reflecting the richness of Albania’s diversity.”
Greetings from the Italian Embassy were delivered by Sergio Alias, First Secretary, who noted: “Culture is a fundamental pillar for the relations between Italy and Albania: a common language that connects our people, strengthens political, social, and human dialogue, and provides a solid foundation on which we can build cooperation and shared development. Looking to the future, the National Culture Strategy 2026–2030 represents a crucial step: an opportunity to strengthen Albania’s cultural policies and consolidate its path to European integration.”
During the day, participants took part in thematic working groups dedicated to the four strategic priorities identified for the Strategy:
- Preservation and protection of cultural heritage;
- Support and growth of creative industries;
- Development of cultural infrastructure;
- Promotion of inclusiveness and accessibility.
The debate encompassed different disciplines and sectors of Albania’s cultural and creative landscape, from theater to music, from dance to visual arts, including cinema, literature, tangible and intangible heritage, design, craftsmanship, and new technologies. A complex picture of the sector’s challenges and opportunities emerged, confirming the central role of culture as a driver of sustainable and inclusive development.
The process toward the National Culture Strategy 2026–2030 keeps going: the strategic document, accompanied by an action plan, will be presented by the end of the year. This plan will concretely define the next steps to support and enhance Albania’s cultural and creative heritage.
