The draft regional budget of Lviv region for next year provides for 165 million hryvnias to increase the basic salaries of employees of regional cultural institutions. This was announced on the day marking the All-Ukrainian Day of Cultural Workers and Folk Art Masters.
It is noted that the initiative is intended not only to show respect for those who preserve and develop Ukrainian culture, but also to ensure them a more decent level of pay.
During the ceremony to mark the professional holiday, representatives of the cultural sphere were honoured. On behalf of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a high state award – the title of “Honoured Artist of Ukraine” – was presented to Mykola Holovchak, a lecturer at the Sambir Vocational College of Culture and Arts.
Particular words of gratitude were addressed to performers, musicians, artists, folk art masters, teachers of arts institutions, museum and library staff, and the teams of theatres, philharmonic societies, community centres and all institutions involved in the cultural sphere of Lviv region. The important role was also stressed of managers, organisers and technical staff who ensure the day-to-day operation of these institutions.
Special mention was made of cultural workers who are currently serving in the ranks of the Defence Forces of Ukraine, combining their cultural mission with the defence of the state.
During the celebrations, the children’s studio “Smaylyky” of the DanceTheatre “Zhyttia” performed. According to the organisers, its young members, together with their mentors Iryna Mazur and Oleksandra Perun, brought genuine emotion, energy and vivid impressions to the event.
Representatives of the authorities thanked the entire cultural community of Lviv region for their dedicated work, love for their vocation and contribution to preserving Ukrainian identity.