DUSHANBE, January 5, Asia-Plus - On January 4, Dushanbe Mayor Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev handed over prizes to artistes that participated in the New Year’s celebrations on December 31.   

Shavkat Saidov, a spokesman for the mayor, said that during the meeting Ubaidulloyev had noted that the mayor’s office intends to hold an annual city competition “The Artiste of Year” starting from this year.  The goal of this competition is to promote further development of culture and increase professional skills of the Dushanbe artistes.  The winner of the competition will be given a two-room apartment.

According to the spokesman, a special working group has been set up to work up the competition and its terms.  “The mayor also seconded a proposal by the artistes to establish the variety theatre in Dushanbe,” said Saidov, “The Palace of Youth that will be built in Dushanbe will house this theatre.”