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A new programme with funding opportunities for Armenian universities and creative institutions was announced today in Yerevan. “Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Programme” is a five-year initiative financed by the British Council to support international university and institutional partnerships to develop enterprise skills and creative economy across seven countries, including in Armenia.

In the scope of the programme launch a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today among the RA ministry of science and education, the ministry of culture and British Council Armenia.

According to the signed document, British Council Armenia will provide financial support to develop partnerships between universities and creative institutions in the UK and in Armenia in order to support enterprise education and establish enterprise hubs.

As British Council Armenia Director Arevik Saribekyan said, the primary beneficiaries of the programme are university students, graduates and young entrepreneurs. Each partnership will be granted a maximum of £50,000.

In the scope of the programme, the British Council will deliver enterprise skills training packages to students and creative entrepreneurs, ranging from pitching ideas and starting a business, to protecting intellectual property.

“The development of culture and creative economy in Armenia is one of priority directions. In the scope of this programme higher education institutions and creative entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to study the UK best experience in enterprise education and establish joint hubs with their Armenian peers to transfer skills and knowledge,” Arevik Saribekyan said.

Minister of Education Arayik Harutyunyan, in turn, noted the programme can contribute in promoting joint projects of culture and education, the reason they decided to join the initiative. In Harutyunyan’s words, Armenia has many talented art workers, but the sphere also needs commercialization. 

“Armenia has a huge potential for creative ideas. Today, creative industries are in high demand in the world. Thus, we call on relevant actors, universities and creative entrepreneurs of the sector to make use of this opportunity,” Armenian Minister of Culture Lilit Makunts added.