As a response to the fact that NHE has been involved in the implementation of culturally related projects since the beginning of its work, the Culture Program was started in 2007. The program works to support the development and preservation of the cultural life here in Azerbaijan while strengthening the cultural exchange between Azerbaijan and Norway.

The Udi Cultural Support Grant Scheme was established in 2007 to provide cultural support to Azerbaijan’s Udi group by maintaining and strengthening the language and culture, and promoting democratic and participatory actions within the Udi minority ethno living in Azerbaijan. In 2008 the Culture Program established the Performing Arts project to provide support and help make local arts groups, such as the Ganja Chamber Orchestra and the Sheki Music Ensemble, available to the general public while working to preserve the musical culture that has survived so many generations.

The Culture Program’s newest endeavor, the Cottage Industry Promotion Project, is focused on helping local craftsmen to enter the market, price, and promote their products in line, while putting them in contact with potential buyers. Recently the Culture Program has helped local entrepreneurs in the process of opening Sehrli Daxmaciq, or the Enchanted Cottage, a handicraft retail store, founded on the principals of “fair trade,” located in Baku. The shop showcases handmade crafts from several different regions of Azerbaijan.

Program Manager: Synnøve Aandstad Baghirova ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )