The program for observance of Macedonia’s 35th independence anniversary included 18 events in 13 cities across the country, available free of charge for all citizens, Government Spokesperson Marija Miteva told a press conference on Friday.
Presenting a detailed report of over 80 pages prepared by Stardust, the company responsible for the project’s implementation, at a joint press conference with State Lottery CEO Aleksandar Klimovski, Miteva noted that the goal was to create a comprehensive national program meeting high artistic and production standards. The program highlighted Macedonian artists while also featuring performances by world-renowned names.
The total cost for all activities amounted to MKD 340,509,749. The report breaks this down into five main categories: artist and performer fees at MKD 129.3 million (67 artists in total); production costs – MKD 96.2 million; logistics costs – MKD 58.5 million; marketing – MKD 2.8 million; and fees for collaborators – MKD 53.5 million (21 on-site logistics companies). The State Lottery covered MKD 300 million of this amount, while the remainder was co-financed by the agency itself.
“A dignified commemoration of national anniversaries entails simultaneously respecting history, promoting national culture, creating space for contemporary artistic expression, and exercising responsibility in the use of public funds,” noted spokesperson Miteva.
“As a Government, we believe the public deserves full insight into what was implemented, the concept underpinning the program, its national and cultural value, and, of course, how the financial resources were allocated,“ added Miteva.
Spokesperson Miteva: 35th independence anniversary celebrations included 18 events in 13 cities
