Article 21.1.1 of the Law on Culture (No.506-IVQ of 21 December 2012) states, referring to Article 20.2 of the same law, that individuals, legal entities, including non-profit organisations may engage in organising art and other cultural events, including creative competitions, exhibitions, creative evenings, cultural and artistic presentations, festivals, conferences and symposiums following the corresponding laws such as On the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments, On the Cultural Capital of Azerbaijan – Shusha, On Publishing, On Cinematography, On Theatre and Theatrical Activities, On Library work, On Museums, On Legal Protection of Samples of Azerbaijani Folklore, On the Protection and Development of Azerbaijani Carpet Art, On Mass Media, On Copyright and Related Rights, On education and the Civil Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Furthermore, Article 25.1 of the Law on Culture stipulates that creative individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and promotion of culture, as well as winners of festivals and competitions, are awarded honorary titles, scholarships, and prizes. In addition, Article 45.3 of this law establishes that state funding is appropriate for the development of literature, art, design, architecture, music, choreography, theatre and circus, cinema, museums and libraries, painting and sculpture, folk art, folklore, and the implementation of projects on education and scientific research in the field of culture.
The Law on the Legal Protection of Samples of Azerbaijani Folklore (No.460-IIQ of May 16, 2003) regulates the relationships arising from the legal protection, use, and maintenance of national folklore expressions, which are a component of cultural heritage and constitute a distinct type of intellectual property. Article 6 of this law, “Requirements for the Use of Folklore Samples,” states that the use of folklore samples in traditional and customary forms, including commercial ones, is free in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Legal entities and individuals from other states may use folklore samples for commercial purposes outside the borders of the Republic of Azerbaijan only with the permission of the organisation established by the relevant executive authority and upon fee payment. That fee shall promote intellectual creativity and safeguard and enrich folklore expressions. Article 8 of the law provides that in all published works, in cases of public performance and communication of folklore samples, their source must be indicated, as well as the geographical name of the place where the folklore sample used originated and (or) the name of the people (society) to which it belongs.
The Law on Theatres and Theatre Activities (No.222-IIIQ of December 29, 2006) regulates the relations arising from the preparation and public performance of theatrical spectacles, as well as determines the legal foundations of theatrical activity and state care for theatres. Chapter IV of this law (“Exclusive right to live performance of theatrical spectacle”) defines subjects of the exclusive right in connection with the live performance of a theatrical spectacle; rights of authors, directors and performers concerning theatrical spectacle; producer’s rights regarding the public performance of a theatre spectacle; responsibilities of the producer regarding the preservation of the artistic solution of a theatrical performance; and protection of rights related to theatrical performances.
Comments are closed.