Cuba defends controversial arts decree but seeks consensus on norms

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

WORLD NEWS DECEMBER 8, 2018 / 10:56 AM / UPDATED 3 HOURS AGO

Cuba defends controversial arts decree but seeks consensus on norms

Sarah Marsh, Nelson Acosta
3 MIN READ

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba’s Communist government defended on Friday a controversial new decree tightening control on the cultural sector but said it would seek artists’ backing for how it will be implemented, a move those who had protested against the decree hailed as a victory.

Culture Minister Alpidio Alonso Grau said during a roundtable discussion broadcast on state TV that the government, which has promoted local artists since Cuba’s 1959 revolution, was targeting vulgar, offensive and mediocre content with the legislation.

Decree 349, which was published in July and theoretically came into force on Friday, gives government inspectors the right to shut down exhibits and performances deemed to violate Cuba’s revolutionary values and to confiscate artists’ belongings.

Alonso Grau said the authorities would meet with artists nationwide over the coming days to seek their consensus on how enforcement of the decree would work in practice.

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Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cuba-art/cuba-defends-controversial-arts-decree-but-seeks-consensus-on-norms-idUSKBN1O705C

[sinkingfeeling]

1. I bought 3 paintings/prints in Cuba.

[GatoGordo]

2. Are the Castroists seeking consensus from the artist community about what is a jailable offense?

Prior approval/restraint from Cuban artists, known for pushing the boundaries of acceptable?

What is "OK" and what is "not OK" with the government, so that everyone knows what won't get you shot, thrown in prison or your livelihood confiscated from you?

I don't see the upside. The Castroists want an OK from artists to sanction them if they cross an arbitrary line.

The Castroists don't want dialogue. They want a stamp of approval.

It is state censorship.