Villa 31 of former dictator Enver Hoxha has been transformed into an artists' residence. The Minister of Culture, Elva Margariti, signed the agreement with the French foundation "Art Explora". 

French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Edi Rama were also present at the agreement signing ceremony. 

The decision that the house of dictator Enver Hoxha would be turned into an art center was taken by the Council of Ministers. 

"The government recently approved a reduced fee for the use by the Ministry of Culture of some premises in the "Government Residence, villa 31 Tirana" facility, or as it is otherwise known, the former villa of Enver Hoxha, for the realization of the cultural project "Vila Art Residence Tirana". 

In the decision approved by the government, the value of the fee for the use of the premises of the "Government Residence, villa 31 Tirana" will be in the equivalent amount of expenses for the supply of electricity and water, as well as the cost of maintenance and treatment of these premises during the entire period of commissioning for this project. "The approval of the reduced fee for the use of some premises in the object "Government Residence, villa 31, Tirana", for the realization of the cultural project "Vila Art Residence Tirana". 

In support of Article 100 of the Constitution and Point 8, Chapter III, Decision No. 54, dated 5.2.2014, of the Council of Ministers, "On determining the criteria, procedure and manner of leasing, emphyteosis or other state property contracts", amended, with the Prime Minister's proposal, the Council of Ministers decided: 

1. Approval of the reduced fee for providing the Ministry of Culture with the use of some premises in the "Government Residence, Villa 31 Tirana" facility, for the realization of the cultural project "Vila Art Residence Tirana". 

2. The value of the fee for the use of the premises of the facility "Government Residence, Villa 31 Tirana" will be in the equivalent amount of expenses for the supply of electricity and water, as well as the cost of maintenance and treatment of these premises during the entire period of commissioning for this project. 

3. The Directorate of Government Services and the Ministry of Culture are charged with the implementation of this decision. This decision enters into force after its publication in the official Gazette", the government's decision states.