As part of ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure projects that promote culture and the arts in Albania, work has begun on the construction of the new National Children’s Culture Center, which will be located near the Great Lake Park in Tirana. This project is one of the largest of its kind in the Balkans and will provide modern facilities for socio-cultural activities, focusing on the development of young talents and the education of children in the arts.

Prime Minister Rama, accompanied by Blendi Gonxhe, Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, visited the site to closely inspect the progress of the construction.

“This project will have nine floors and will offer 7,000 square meters of functional space, where artistic and educational activities will take place for children of all age groups. It is an extraordinary and highly multifunctional space, divided into various areas where different activities can be conducted simultaneously, both inside the building and on the terrace,” explained Minister Gonxhe.                                                                                                                            One of the most important elements of this project is the creation of a dual-purpose stage, which will be used both inside the building and outside, in the form of an open-air amphitheater. Minister Gonxhe also emphasized that this is one of the most difficult and complex constructions, particularly regarding the technological aspect of the stage: “The stage has two different functions and can be used for performances both indoors and outdoors, with a large door that opens to the park.”

Prime Minister Edi Rama underscored the importance of creating a qualified staff for the management and operation of the Center: “To ensure the success of this project, we need teachers of fine arts, stage teachers, actors, directors, and other dedicated professionals who are well-compensated. This will be a European center that will offer opportunities for collaboration with international institutions. The Balkans does not have a project like this, and we must immediately begin establishing contacts with international centers, such as those in Sweden and Spain, to create a rich international program.

The Director of the National Children’s Culture Center, Melsi Qirici, explained some technical aspects of the Center: “For the first time, the stage will be rotating, offering the possibility for it to move continuously, both inside and outside. This advanced technological design will allow the Center to organize activities for children and young people, providing opportunities for a wide range of performances and events.”

She also added that another new element of this project will be the construction of a large workshop, where puppets and props for performances will be produced, and which will also be available for use by young people and students from the Academy of Arts: “For the first time, we will have a workshop that will serve all young people, not only for theater but also for the development of other creative and educational activities.”

This center will offer opportunities for the development of various courses in the performing arts, including acting, ballet, music, and many other activities, allowing young people to showcase and develop their talents.

With this project, Tirana will gain a unique space that will stimulate the creativity of the city’s children and youth.