A/HRC/23/34/Add.1 exchange of literature and textbooks, the teaching of history, the organization of years of culture and the promotion of artists‟ mobility. The international cooperation programmes developed by Altai Krai are also welcomed. IV. Cultural rights: good practices and challenges 32. According to the Ministry of Culture, the key objectives of the country‟s cultural policy include providing equal access to cultural goods and opportunities for personal cultural development; increasing the quality of cultural institutions and the diversity of services provided; preserving and popularizing cultural heritage; and using culture to shape a positive image of the Russian Federation abroad.14 33. The Special Rapporteur appreciates the fact that the authorities have adopted, or decided to support, a number of important initiatives to increase access to cultural life. These include organizing national exhibitions and numerous contests to promote creative activities and participation in cultural life; establishing a State-run television channel (Kultura) dedicated to culture with no advertisements, and bibliobus as mobile libraries. Library and information services are provided free of charge throughout the country. 34. Access to museums and other cultural institutions has been enhanced by opening museums and libraries at night, reduced entry fee policies and digitalized access. The Special Rapporteur found the Saint Petersburg project to introduce interactive tours for students and a unified membership card for the city‟s libraries very interesting. 35. The Special Rapporteur was pleased to learn of innovative initiatives launched by the city of Moscow to promote participation in cultural life and the right to have access to and enjoy cultural heritage. These include organizing free tours for Muscovites, with commentaries from highly qualified historians and journalists, which drew some 120,000 people in 2011, including persons with disabilities; the “18/18/18” programme, involving 18 public figures leading 18 excursions or cultural tours for groups of 18 people at a time; contests for the best restoration of a building, with prizes presented by renowned figures; and incentives for private companies to restore and maintain buildings while enjoying their usage at a very reduced rent. 36. The Special Rapporteur visited the Youth Centre for Theatre and Cinema, supported by the Saint Petersburg authorities and the Federal Ministry of Culture. This interesting institution enables young artists to run their own theatre, with about 200 actors and 25 directors. On the occasion of festivals on human rights, the theatre has organized events and discussions on, inter alia, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual issues. 37. The Special Rapporteur was impressed by the management of the State Hermitage Museum and welcomes its policies aimed at attracting more visitors while according priority to the research and educational functions of the Museum. Many educational activities cater for children and adults, and State support ensures the publication of quality books at more affordable prices. 38. Several programmes enhance museum access for persons with disabilities. The Special Rapporteur witnessed significant efforts made or currently under way to ensure wheelchair access to cultural institutions. 39. Excursions are organized for school children. The Ministry of Culture estimates that children account for approximately 65 per cent of the 80 million annual visitors to the country‟s museums. The Special Rapporteur appreciates the fact that, at least in some 14 8 See also Council of Europe Compendium on Cultural Policies (see footnote 5), pp. 5-6 and 8.