Published in: History of the 20th Century, no. 2, Belgrade 2002, pp.61 - 87.

Abstract

Yugoslavia's authorities, due to its political and economic interests, put great efforts into enabling the normalization of cultural life in Albania.
     
Summary
   
      The level of rare Albanian cultural workers' performances in Yugoslavia could not satisfy the demands of the audience. Albanian delegations' visits turned into the organized demonstration of Yugoslavia's economic and cultural superiority. Under the impression of the unconditional support of Belgrade, Albanian communists demanded the cultural support that very much surpassed the moderate Yugoslavia's financial and personnel possibilities. This was especially felt in the field of classical music. Consequently, the closed circle was created in which Yugoslavia was dissatisfied with the status of culture in Albania as well as with the way the cultural policy was carried out. On the other hand, the Albanians were also not thrilled with the slow help and difficulties that appeared in the process of satisfying their cultural needs. A numerous omissions were, for the better part of it, the consequence of uncoordinated work of the cultural and art Committee of Yugoslavia's government that often needed interventions and reminding from the Interior in order to fulfill part of unreal demands and rash promises. This mutual dissatisfaction of Yugoslav and Albanian cultural institutions, although never shown publicly during the cooperation, only made easy the politically motivated breaking of contacts.