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Peru’s Government proposes creation of Ministry of Culture

The creation of the Ministry of Culture was proposed on Monday by President Alan García to Peru's Congress, as a topic to be discussed in order to boost the artistic creation and reevaluate ancient Peruvian cultures.

“I propose that congress start the debate for the creation of the Ministry of Culture to vindicate the Peruvian past, because this is the mother nation of South America, from here other countries were born”, said García during his speech on occasion of the 187th national anniversary.

In his speech, the president highlighted that his administration is looking to reevaluate cultural richness nationwide, and proof of this, he pointed out the recent inauguration of the Chavín National Museum, is the Ancash Region.

In addition, he said this museum would vindicate “our mother culture”, besides giving value to several monuments such as Pachamac, Nasca and Mateo Salado.

García said that with a lack of past, “there is not identity”, this is the reason why it is important to create a portfolio that can be in charge of this sector.

He added that this ministry did not require many expenses, “almost any”, but he highlighted the existence of these ministries in Europe and Latin America, while in Peru, where many reasons to create it exist, there is not an entity with a ministerial level.

News source: ANDINA

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# Jet says :
29 July, 2008 [ 20:43 ]

I think this would be a good move.  A cultural ministry could also promote atistic expressions within the country by supporting efforts to research, catagorize, document, styles and origins of the ethnic arts of Peru.  One that clearly comes to mind is the music of the southern area of Peru such as Puno.  This area has been for centuries cultural center from which countless musical styles have emerged and spread thru-out the entire altiplano region.  It's increasingly important for the people of that region to have official recognition as well as supporting documentation of their contributions to the musical styles of the altiplano because other nations are currently "nationlizing" rythems,musical styles and even musical instruments that originated in the areas of southern Peru.  This is happening specifically because Peru has not put forth the effort to document this history and origins and because other governments DO have ministries which are specifically aimed at creating a national identity for their own country and much to the dismay of residents of cities like Puno or Ayacucho, they have seen other countries making claim and "nationalizing" musical styles and instruments which historically belong to Peru.  The entire region should share each others culture regardless of national borders. But at the same time, history and origin should be respected, which is why the need for a Ministry of Culture would come perfectly in to play here, to research and document these issues and provide the people and areas that created these national expressions the acknowledgement and protection that they need and deserve.

# mericorps says :
30 July, 2008 [ 11:03 ]

I appreciate the concept, but it will most likely only provide jobs as political favors, and an un-needed level of administration.

PromPeru is underfunded and does an amazing job, this should fall under their auspices and then be given the funding to actually do the job, saving money by not creating another ministry and supporting one of the most successful and underfunded ministries in the process.

# carl says :
30 July, 2008 [ 17:29 ]

It s a waste of time, and money. One sol bad invested is a sol that wont be return.