<P><STRONG><U>The Mandate</U></STRONG></P>
<P>The Ministry of Union Cultures was first established in March 1952.&nbsp; In 1972, the department was re-named the Ministry of Culture and now comprises the Office of the Minister for Culture, the Department of Fine Arts, the Department of Archaeology and&nbsp;the Department of Cultural Institutes.</P>
<P>The Ministry's policy is to preserve, promote and propagate Myanmar cultural heritage by taking pride in the country's own traditions and cherishing the country and its people.</P>
<P>In order to implement this policy, the Ministry undertakes&nbsp; programmes:</P>
<UL>
<LI>to preserve the cultural heritage of Myanmar
<LI>to produce works of fine arts that support the progress of Myanmar
<LI>to enable artists to use their arts to promote knowledge
<LI>to educate the public
<LI>to develop unity and patriotism and
<LI>to endeavour to promote the development and standards of culture.<BR></LI></UL>