BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 8. BP plans to expand
its support for cultural projects in Azerbaijan, the company's
Caspian vice president, Bakhtiyar Aslanbeyli, said at the opening
of the renovated exhibition hall at the Azerbaijan State Museum
Center and the "Pearls of Azerbaijani Fine Art: A Golden
Collection" exhibition, Trend correspondent reports from the event.
Aslanbeyli said BP remains committed to corporate social
responsibility initiatives aimed at supporting different sectors of
Azerbaijani society.
"We do not intend to limit our activities in Azerbaijan to oil
and gas projects alone," he said. "Within our capabilities, we
strive to contribute to the country's social, educational, cultural
and public life through various projects."
He said BP had focused primarily on education initiatives for
many years but has increasingly expanded its support for cultural
projects and cultural heritage preservation in recent years.
The company carries out those projects in close cooperation with
Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture, following the ministry's
recommendations, Aslanbeyli said.
"If we have made even a small contribution to promoting the
country's rich cultural heritage, it makes us very happy. We are
proud of it," he said.
Aslanbeyli said the latest project included the renovation of
five exhibition halls covering about 450 square meters (about 4,840
square feet) and equipping them with modern technology.
Once completed, the renovated space will host about 100 works of
art in permanent and temporary exhibitions, he said.
The project also incorporates immersive technologies, which
Aslanbeyli described as a pilot initiative.
"If it proves successful, we will consider implementing similar
projects in other formats in the future," he said.
