The Armenian education authorities are teaming up with the University of the Arts London and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to develop the Arts Clusters in the Academic City.

The Cabinet discussed and approved the acquisition of consulting services on Thursday.

Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports of Armenia, Zhanna Andreasyan, said at the Cabinet meeting that the agenda item included two items concerning the necessary content-related work for establishing the Arts Clusters.

“With these two items, we are establishing cooperation with the most reputable universities in this field, which will support the development of the Arts Clusters’ concept and assist in its implementation. We have negotiated with two universities, and today’s decisions allow us to move forward with signing the contracts,” she said.

According to Minister Andreasyan, working with these two universities will allow the Arts Clusters in the Academic City to provide content that meets the highest international standards and make education in this field in Armenia competitive for both Armenian and international students, who could confidently come to Armenia to study.

She elaborated that the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland will handle work related to the musical component, with a contract planned for £371,325. The University of the Arts London will carry out work in all other directions included in the Arts Clusters, with a contract value of £368,778.

“The cooperation is planned in three phases over approximately 24 months. This includes developing the concept as well as capacity-building efforts, because it is very important that, with the involvement of international partners, we develop local capacities,” Minister Andreasyan said.

She also recalled that the Government of Armenia already has reputable international partners for the formation of educational clusters in the Academic City. “The contract with the Institute of Education at University College London is underway, and they are currently here continuing the work. I should also mention that we worked with the Technical University of Munich on the technological clusters. The first phase of that work has already been completed. Right now, we are negotiating with the University of Cambridge regarding the classical clusters, and I believe we will soon present the contract with them for government consideration,” the minister added.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that through these contracts, international partners are working not just with the Government, but directly with the universities and students themselves, which is very important.