Sofia, January 17 (BTA) - Culture Minister Atanas Atanasov introduced his team on Monday. He said he would rely above all on "the contagious good", as well as on common sense, and the ability of each member of his team "to conquer their ego in the name of the greater common cause".

"I believe that with this energy, there is no way we cannot change the context," said Atanasov.

"And the context right now is a bit gloomy. Underrating the meaning of being an artist, disparaging the creative professions, the COVID crisis - we should all be committed to these processes if we are to bring Bulgarian culture back to its worthy place," said Atanasov.

He said his top three priorities will be access to culture, quality international cultural contacts, and the protection and use of Bulgaria's rich cultural heritage.

Atanasov introduced his three deputies and their responsibilities.

Vesela Kondakova, who worked with caretaker culture minister Velislav Minekov, is responsible for the performing arts, the cinema, art and culture schools, copyright and its neighbouring rights, the 13 Centuries of Bulgaria National Endowment Fund and the National Palace of Culture.

Yuriy Vulkovski is responsible for the intangible cultural heritage, international and regional activities, libraries, chitalishta (community centres), amateur art, cultural programmes and projects, and the Culture National Fund.

Boyko Kadinov is responsible for the Ministry's policy in the area of the tangible cultural heritage, the visual arts, museums and art galleries. RY/DD