The Foundation has developed a program for the restoration of regionalCultural Centers, based on the results of the survey in 2019. In August 2019, My Step Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure conducted a survey among the Cultural Centers operating in the regions of the Republic of Armenia.

The project partners are the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, the International Center for Intercultural Research, Training and Dialogue and the Humanitarian Fund "Kasa".

The project goal:

The project is aimed at balanced development of culture and art in Armenia through capacity building, infrastructure modernization and technical re-equipment of regionalCultural Centers.

Project description:

Duration of the project: January- December, 2020.

The program consists of two components: human resource development and technical capacity building.

Human resource development includes:

• trainings

• study visits

• mentorship

• networking

Trainings

From February to April, 2020, employees of selected institutions will undergo training. From each institution, two employees will participate in the courses: the preferred candidates are the Director / Deputy Director, the Art Director and / or the Program Coordinator.

In total, there will be organized from 3 to 5 trainings lasting from 2 to 4 days. Training topics:

*Community engagement, local and international volunteers (including community needs assessment),

* Organization of social events (cultural events, trainings) and formation of communities,

* PR and communication (social networks, marketing tools, etc.),

* Effective use of space

* Resource mobilization (government funding, grant programs, social entrepreneurship, etc.).

Study visits

On the third day of each training, a study visit will be organized to successful cultural, youth / educational institutions in the regions and Yerevan, which carry out effective activities, conduct interactive cultural events, actively involve the local community and/or are characterized by successful social entrepreneurship.

Mentorship

After completing the training, the specialists selected under the programme will work with the beneficiary institutions for 8 months, providing support in:

Preparation and implementation of the annual action plan,

Development and implementation of communication strategy;

Preparation of the development plan of the institution, including fundraising activities.

Networking

We will create an art and culture network of regional institutions and other successful prominent entities and groups based in Armenia and the Diaspora.The members of the network will have regular meetings and an exchange of contactsin order to implement joint projects and exchange experience.

Renovation and technical equipment provision

Some facilities will be partially renovated based on necessity and available budget. Beneficiaries will also be provided with some technical equipment and facilities to enhance the effectiveness of cultural events (film screenings, concerts, exhibitions, etc.) and training.

The project will equip rooms for youth - "Youth Hubs" in cultural centers, which will serve as a meeting place for the youth of the community to organize cultural entertainment, educational activities, development, discussion and implementation of public projects.

The responsibilities of the beneficiary institutions

The selected institutions participating in the program are required to:

participate in all components of the project,

ensure the contribution of the institution and the community (financial and /or in-kind contribution);

provide space in their institution to create a "Youth Hub";

engage and actively work with community volunteers;

organize at least one public cultural event monthly during 2020-2021.

Who can apply?

The operating Cultural Centers in Regions of Armenia, which are under the authority of the municipality, regional administration or the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, can apply.

The operating Cultural Centers are the institutions that have a certain territory, registered employees, have organized public cultural events, trainings and/or had extracurricular activities during last year.

Museums, libraries, music, art and dance schools cannot apply to this program as a separate institution. The institutions located in emergency buildings can’t apply.

The procedure for the selection of participating institutions

The selection of participating institutions will be carried out in three stages:

1. Verification of compliance with the above criteria,

2. Examination and evaluation of applications by the Selection Committee,

3. Interview with the Selection Committee (candidates who have passed the 1st and 2nd stages).

Selection criteria

Applications that meet the established criteria will be evaluated by the Selection Committee according to the following criteria:

* activity of the organization, including the existing groups and the number of children attending, the number of social events - 30 points,

* contribution of the institution to the implementation of the program: financial, and in-kind contribution, including human resources - 30 points,

* community and/or partner contributions (financial, non-financial) - 20 points,

* development plan and program of interaction with youth (form 4) - 20 points.

Documents required for the application

To apply, you must submit the following documents in electronic form:

· data on the Cultural Center and its activities according to the attached form (Form 1),

· data on employees of the Cultural Center according to the attached form (Form 2),

· data on the state of the institution building according to the attached form (Form 3) and photos of the building (outside and inside),

· if available, you can attach a repair estimate (optional),

· motivation letter according to the attached form (Form 4),

· information about the partners involved in the project and / or co-financing (if available),

· the Charter of the organization, the certificate of state registration and the certificate of ownership of the premises.

You can download the Forms necessary to apply for participation in the program here.

Deadline

To apply for the program, you must send completed forms, required documents and photos to [email protected] with the title "Application" in the subject line. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2020. If you have any questions, you can contact Lilit Grigoryan, the Coordinator of cultural programs by e-mail [email protected] or phone +(374) 44 444-701.

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.