FERM 2025 | Stela SMIRNOV (City Hall of Bălți Municipality, Republic of Moldova): “Culture is not only a symbol, but an active factor of transformation.”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Thematic Panel:
Culture and Regional Identity – Tradition, Innovation, and Social Cohesion
Speaker:
Stela Smirnov – City Hall of Bălți Municipality, Department of Culture, Republic of Moldova
Presentation theme:
“Creative industries – a driving force for economic and identity revitalization in Bălți Municipality”
As part of Panel 10 – “Culture and Regional Identity – Tradition, Innovation, and Social Cohesion”, Stela Smirnov, Head of the Department of Culture of Bălți Municipality, presented the creative industries as a driving force of economic and identity revitalization. She emphasized that these industries are located at the intersection of art, technology, and entrepreneurship, generating economic, social, and cultural benefits and contributing to strengthening community cohesion.
Role of the Creative Industries
Stela Smirnov stressed that creative industries represent an emerging sector at the crossroads of art, technology, and entrepreneurship, with direct impact both on economic development and social cohesion. They bring together diverse fields – from music, theater, visual arts, design, and architecture to advertising, fashion, and digital industries – and create value through originality, innovation, and cultural expression.
“Culture is not only an identity symbol, but an active vector of community transformation. It contributes to strengthening intercultural dialogue, reinforcing ties between generations, and creating a framework of social cohesion.”
Cultural Ecosystem of Bălți Municipality
Bălți Municipality benefits from a solid cultural ecosystem, built on a network of prestigious institutions and diverse artistic heritage. Key landmarks include the History and Ethnography Museum, the “Antioh Cantemir” Art Gallery, the “Eugeniu Coșeriu” Municipal Library, the Municipal Palace of Culture, as well as music and arts schools that nurture new generations of creators.
These are complemented by professional and amateur artistic ensembles, reflecting the vitality of the local cultural scene and expressing the community’s identity. Well-established events such as the “Cine joacă horele” Folk Dance Festival, the Christmas Carols Festival, or the International “Mărțișor” Festival consolidate the city’s traditions, enhance its touristic appeal, and promote Bălți at regional and cross-border levels.
Cultural Tourism and Innovative Initiatives
A relevant example of local heritage valorization is the cultural route “Eminescu – One Culture, One Route”, inaugurated in 2023 in partnership with Botoșani Municipality, within the Romania–Republic of Moldova Joint Operational Program. The project connects the main cultural spaces and monuments of Bălți, turning the Eminescian literary heritage into an integrated and competitive tourism product.
The route has not only a symbolic but also a pragmatic dimension, creating economic opportunities for cultural guides, artisans, HoReCa entrepreneurs, and start-ups in cultural tourism. It also strengthens the city’s visibility on regional and cross-border tourist circuits, contributing to diversifying the cultural offer and increasing the attractiveness of the city.
“The Eminescu cultural route is not only a tribute to the great poet, but also a strategic tool for local development. It transforms literary heritage into a living resource, capable of attracting tourists, stimulating the economy, and strengthening the cultural identity of Bălți Municipality.”
Artistic Ensembles and Cultural Institutions of Reference
Bălți Municipality has a rich cultural ecosystem, supported both by artistic ensembles and prestigious educational and cultural institutions.
Artistic ensembles and groups:
- “Barbu Lăutau” Folk Music Orchestra
- “Vîntuleț” Folk Music and Dance Ensemble
- Folklore ensembles “Doinița,” “Altița,” and “Strugurașii”
- “Baștina” Drama Theater
Cultural and educational institutions:
- History and Ethnography Museum
- “Antioh Cantemir” Art Gallery
- “Eugeniu Coșeriu” Municipal Library
- Municipal Palace of Culture and Polyvalent Cultural Center
- Music and Art Schools: George Enescu, Ciprian Porumbescu, and the School of Fine Arts
- “M. Blanc” Children’s Creativity Center
- “Alecu Russo” State University
- “Vasile Alecsandri” National Theater
These ensembles and institutions form the core of the city’s cultural activities, supporting the development of creative industries, nurturing new talents, and promoting local heritage. They contribute to organizing festivals, educational events, and artistic performances, attracting diverse audiences and strengthening the cultural identity of Bălți Municipality.
Conclusion:
Creative industries represent a strategic pillar for the development of Bălți Municipality, contributing simultaneously to economic growth, strengthening cultural identity, and enhancing social cohesion. They generate jobs for artists, cultural managers, technicians, and local entrepreneurs, increase the city’s appeal for young people, tourists, and investors, and transform cultural heritage into an active resource for sustainable development.
By harnessing creative potential and integrating it into local and regional policies, Bălți Municipality is shaping its profile as a competitive urban center, capable of combining tradition with innovation and aligning with European directions of smart, green, and inclusive development.
