Jan Stovka Becomes New Head of Ethnic Minority Culture Support Fund

Bratislava, 1 August (TASR) - Jan Stovka has become the new director of the public-service Ethnic Minority Culture Support Fund (FPKNM) after Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) appointed him to the post based on a selection procedure on Friday. In its appointment announcement, the ministry pointed out that Stovka, as the long-time artistic director of the Dubrava folklore ensemble and the 'primas' [leader of the string section - ed.note] of several musical ensembles, has been actively engaged in preserving and developing traditional culture. "He's cooperated on many cultural and social events, anniversaries and on the production of documentary and artistic projects," added the ministry. The ministry also highlighted Stovka's work as artistic photographer. "He holds the prestigious European title of 'Master Qualified European Photographer' (MQEP), awarded by the European Professional Photographers Federation," said the ministry. In this context, it outlined Stovka's cooperation with institutions such as public-service broadcaster STVR, Slovakia Travel and Presov Region Authority, plus the creation of dozens of visual projects that have promoted the cultural values and identity of Slovakia's regions. The Culture Ministry announced a public contest for the post of FPKNM chief in early July. Those interested had until July 10 to apply. The contest itself was held in late July. The selection procedure was criticised by parliamentary culture and media committee member Jozef Hajko (KDH), who accused the ministry of what he viewed as lack of transparency and the "concealed system" of the whole procedure. He pointed to the lack of information about the candidates themselves and the composition of the selection commission. The Culture Ministry denied the accusations, claiming that the selection procedure was being carried out in line with the law. The public-service FPKNM was established by law in 2017. Its role is to support and stimulate ethnic minority culture. An amount of €8.8 million is annually available to it. ko/df