Cultural policy: Hernán Rodríguez Castelo

Abstract

The text by Hernán Rodríguez Castelo addresses the imperative necessity of establishing a planned National Cultural Policy in Ecuador and the Andean region, contrasting it with the ineffectiveness of isolated cultural actions. The author redefines culture as "everything that elevates man" , arguing that while popular activities are culture, a policy is essential to promote activities that are culturally more positive. He asserts that culture is an inalienable human right (citing Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights) and not a minority privilege or a "hobby". Policy implementation must follow two phases: the political (defining concrete objectives) and the strategic (translating these into operational plans), as a lack of planning leads to "cultural absurdities". Globally, UNESCO has promoted these policies since the 1970s and created the International Fund for the Promotion of Culture (1974) to secure resources. Regionally, the Lima Declaration (1971) of the Andrés Bello Agreement urged the coordination of cultural, educational, and scientific policies to achieve cultural independence and overcome dependency. The author criticizes Ecuador for its considerable delay and the ineffectiveness of its cultural institutions when operating without a coherent plan. The only response for comprehensive cultural development is a policy oriented toward liberation and dynamic public participation.