Baku center of art began to take shape in 1986. Those days there was a leading group of artists of Azerbaijan, decided to unite their efforts for the implementation of joint projects and ideas of cultural and humanitarian content. This venture identified itself as the Association of Creative Youth of Azerbaijan.
In 1988, the Association was renamed to Baku Art Center (BAC) and was registered in the existing Baku Council of People's Deputies. The legal status of an independent, self – governing and self-financing arts organization was received. In fact, the Baku Center for the Arts – a symbol of changes began in the USSR in 1985. Its appearance was a kind of spirit of those times. Despite ideological prohibitions, BAC opened the possibility of free expression for large group of artistic and scientific intellectuals. The existence and activities of the organization have created a unique opportunity for artists, photographers, architects, artists, composers, poets, filmmakers and many other creative people to join forces and announce their new art in the free form. Baku Art Center failed to break through that stage, some gap in the bone environment of the then official public organizations and to open new horizons not only for creative young people, but generally stir up cultural and humanitarian life of the republic. The activities of BAC much more expanded over the years. More and more people of culture, science and the arts, not only the youth, but also mature joined the organization. This cooperation allowed to implement many previously unthinkable scale of the project for audacity and obtained international recognition.
Today, Baku Arts Centre is one of the main cultural centers of the country, generator of many ideas and projects in the social, artistic and humanitarian fields in ecology, children's art, cultural heritage preservation and development of the regions.
How it all began:
Creative Association "Baku Art Center" – is the first non – governmental organization in the field of culture and art of Azerbaijan, that emerged in the mid – 1980s in the wake of the democratic changes sweeping then all the republics (now – independent countries) of the former Soviet Union. Originating back in the bowels of the Soviet regime spontaneously, the youth movement (later called the "Association of Creative Youth”) was immediately "noticed" by the Central Committee of Communist Youth League of the Republic, and they were taken under administrative custody. This, by the way, did not prevent creative young people, the still were ideologically independent, paradoxical and vivid in their ideas, daring in its actions, but it is driven by pure and noble thoughts.
Thus, none of the "adults" did not come up with the idea to organize an exhibition of Sattar Bahlulzadeh – genuine poet in painting, a kind of – Azerbaijani symbol of non-conformism in the arts – from the works are in private collections. The idea as itself – is not original. Solo exhibitions of masters are widely practiced throughout the world, by "old" and “new", "private collections".
However, the idea of such an exhibition, beyond the control of the Ministry of Culture, seemed to many people in Azerbaijan just pure adventure.
So, in March 1986, a group of enthusiasts, armed with phone numbers, without any guarantee or letters of recommendation "attacked" the owners of works by Bahlulzadeh and requested them to afford artist’s works for the show. They just could not refuse this initiative, for understanding: Sattar – is a national treasure.
Needless to say, the exhibition was very successful – it was the first action of "new era" intellectuals. The program was strikingly different from the principles of the activities of any other creative union – whether it's the Writers' Union, or – composers, or – Artists. After that exhibition a lot of other shows, competitions, concerts, festivals and much more were conducted, but particularly this action sets the mood and a spiritual bar that has passed through the leitmotif of all the activities and history of BAC. Once for all time this exhibition brought new wave to the organization of the human principles such as service, selflessness, openness and mutual aid. At those times, young people of the different types of creative work were attracted to each other. Artists, architects, composers, critics and musicologists, writers and poets, choreographers and directors, collectively rooting for each other: new poems and listen to new music, discuss exhibitions and architectural projects. Deprived of the "craft" of ambition, instinctively, without any jealousy, the young men saw each other – Artist – who should express the ideas that come from the heart, not from the “top-down " directives. It is no coincidence, therefore, there is always many known artists recognized in their fields.
So that’s how the Baku Centre of the Arts was born.
March 31, 1988 Creative Youth Association was incorporated as a creative association “Baku center of art". Over the 17 years, many of those who stood at the cradle become recognized and well-known personalities in the arts, sciences, business and management. Over the years there were many gains and losses, successes and failures, joys and sorrows. But at the same time, the important thing is that we managed to keep it a desire to do something new, something original, unexpected and welcome. And that is what continues to move the organization forward to new achievements and results.
The current president of BAC is the well-known artist of Azerbaijan, member of the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan and the Russian Academy of Arts , rector of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts, sculptor Omar Gasanovich Eldar . General Director – Rafael Gulmammadli.
Today it is – one of the most respected organizations in the field of culture. But at the same time Baku center of art is still "open" to any interesting offer any "adventurous" idea, of course, if it has any real meaning … The organization seeks to diversify its activities known companies today cooperate with it in different directions, not only in the field of art and culture, encompassing social environment and overall humanitarian issues.
Hours:
Mon – Sat: 10.00 – 18.00
Closed on Sunday
Dear friends, pay your attention, to the fact that the working time and days of "Baku Art Center" may change, so before visiting it we recommend you to call +994 (12) 598 – 45 – 48.