Culture
Government approves draft law on National Art Fund: up to 10% of procurement savings for artworks
The fund will buy artworks and collections of historical value, selected by experts with support from the National Gallery of Arts. The law must be approved by Parliament and takes effect in January 2027.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 29, 2026, 14:30 · Updated 18:43 · 1 min read
In brief
- The draft law, presented by Minister Blendi Gonxhja, creates the National Art Fund.
- The fund is financed by certified savings in public procurement, but cannot exceed 10% of their annual value.
- Purchased works become public property and are exhibited in public institutions and spaces.
The government approved a draft law creating the National Art Fund, a mechanism meant to turn part of the savings from public procurement into investment in art and culture. The draft law was presented by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja, according to ATSH (the Albanian Telegraphic Agency).
How the fund will work
The fund's main source will be public procurement savings that the Ministry of Finance verifies and certifies as available for redistribution in the relevant budget year. The amount transferred to the fund cannot exceed 10% of the total annual value of these savings and will be set each year in the budget law.
The money will be used to buy artworks and collections of historical value. Selection will be made by experts in the field, with technical support from the National Gallery of Arts. Purchased works will become public property and be displayed in public institutions and spaces, while decisions and spending will be made public for transparency.
Donations and EU grants
The fund may also receive donations, sponsorships and grants from the European Union, international organizations and strategic partners in culture. According to the announcement, the initiative creates no additional financial obligations for the State Budget.
The government expects the fund to increase support for artists, broaden public access to art and preserve valuable works for future generations. The draft law now goes to Parliament and, if approved, takes effect in January 2027. The published document does not yet give an estimate of how much could be collected each year.
