As part of ongoing efforts to advance infrastructure projects for the development of culture and the arts in Albania, work has commenced on the construction of the new National Center for Children’s Culture, which will be located near the Grand Lake Park in Tirana. This project, one of the largest of its kind in the Balkans, aims to provide modern facilities for socio-cultural activities, with a primary focus on nurturing young talents and fostering arts education for children.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by Blendi Gonxhja, the Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, visited the construction site to observe the progress firsthand.

“This project consists of nine floors and will offer 7,000 square meters of functional space, where artistic and educational activities for children of all age groups will take place. It is an extraordinary, multifunctional area divided into several spaces where different activities can be carried out simultaneously, both in the interior floors and on the terrace,” explained Minister Gonxhja.

A key feature of this project is the creation of a dual-stage design, which will allow performances both inside the building and outdoors, in the form of an open-air amphitheater. Minister Gonxhja further emphasized that this is one of the most challenging and complex constructions, particularly concerning the technological aspects of the stage.

“The stage will have two different functions and can be used for performances both indoors and outdoors, with a large door opening to the park,” he added.

Prime Minister Edi Rama underscored the importance of establishing a qualified staff to manage and operate the center effectively.

“To ensure the success of this project, we need to employ fine arts teachers, stage instructors, actors, directors, and other dedicated and well-compensated professionals. This will be a European-level center that will offer collaboration opportunities with international institutions. The Balkans does not have a project like this, and we must begin immediate contacts with international centers, such as those in Sweden and Spain, to create a rich international program,” said Rama.

Melsi Qirici, Director of the National Center for Children’s Culture, explained some of the technical aspects of the center.

“For the first time, the stage will be rotatable, offering the possibility to move it continuously, both inside and outside. This advanced technological design will allow the center to organize activities for children and youth, providing opportunities for a wide range of performances and events,” she stated.

Qirici also highlighted another innovative aspect of the project: the construction of a large workshop for producing puppets and props for performances. This workshop will also be available to 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,” said Qirici.

The center will provide opportunities for various courses in performing arts, including acting, ballet, music, and many other activities, enabling 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, offering them a platform for artistic expression and cultural engagement.

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