FONPLATA contributes to encourage cultural activities in Argentina

Ph. Ministry of Culture - Argentina

The Development Bank approved a USD 5 million-funding to the “Project for the strengthening and regional consolidation of the Bicentenary History and Cultural Centers”, to support these centers of cultural and social inclusion aiming at the development of local cultural identities and the promotion of regional economic activities to reduce inequalities.

The project seeks to enhance local and regional cultural economic activity by improving technical and technological equipment and supporting the capability of creators of cultural goods and services to increase their production, circulation, management, and merchandising. Specifically, the restructuring of the Bicentenary History and Cultural Centers as a national network of cultural and social inclusion will involve the updating of equipment and the incorporation of new activities, providing people related to the cultural sector with the necessary tools for the proper development of their profession. Thus, there will be comprehensive kits available for the realization of cultural actions, such as photography, video, and audio equipment; computer equipment and connectivity supplies; modular furniture for the exhibition of cultural goods; features for the inclusion of people with disabilities; and some centers will even be equipped with solar photovoltaic systems to ensure power sustainability.

It also includes the creation and use of tools to enhance cultural activity within this national network, such as the development of a digital platform to promote the circulation, production, and merchandising of cultural goods and services that, in turn, contributes to their linkage and articulation; the development of a complementary mobile application to disseminate the contents generated on the platform and enable interaction; and the development of technical training, management, and specialization activities for workers, entrepreneurs, and businessmen of the cultural sector, as well as staff and active community members interested in the use of new technologies to promote the production of cultural goods and services.

The Argentine Ministry of Culture, through the National Directorate of Cultural Innovation, will be responsible for this project, which will contribute to reach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, especially: “Decent work and economic growth” (SDG-8), to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all and policies aimed at supporting productive activities, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and fostering the formalization and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises; and “Reduce inequality within and among countries” (SDG-10), which seeks to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other condition.

06/23/2021