14ymedio Faces of 2018: Yanelys Nunez, the Artist Who Stands Against Decree 349

14ymedio, Havana, December 27, 2018 — A graduate in Art History in 2012, Yanelys Núñez Leyva (b. Havana, 1989) has this year been one of the most visible faces on the independent art scene of the Island. Along with Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and another group of artists she defied the country’s cultural authorities by … Continue reading “14ymedio Faces of 2018: Yanelys Nunez, the Artist Who Stands Against Decree 349”

Decree Law 349 and the Cuban State a€™s Cultural Politics in 7 Points / Cubalex

Cubalex, 15 August 2018 — The Council of Ministers, in Decree Law No. 349, on April 20, 2018 (effective on December 20, 2018) establishes sanctions for not complying with the cultural policies established by the Ministry of Culture, in relation to the suitability, professionalism and remuneration of artists, whether they are graduates of art education, … Continue reading “Decree Law 349 and the Cuban State a€™s Cultural Politics in 7 Points / Cubalex”

A Decree That’s Not All It’s Cracked Up To Be / Fernando Damaso

Fernando Damaso, 16 December 2018  — Decree 349, which concerns regulations governing the broadcast, exhibition and promotion of artistic products, has created much concern among creators. The problem is not about “the enemies” making propaganda against it, but rather the real danger that the decree represents. The danger consists in that, under its shelter, the … Continue reading “A Decree That’s Not All It’s Cracked Up To Be / Fernando Damaso”

Cuban Government Puts the Brakes on Full Implementation of Decree 349, Proposing it be Gradual

14ymedio, Havana, 8 December 2018 — The Cuban government has decided to stop the full implementation of Decree 349, a few days after it also backed off on fully implementing a package of measures to control the private sector. On Cuban TV’s Roundtable program this Friday, Minister of Culture Alpidio Alonso, announced that the unpopular Decree 349 … Continue reading “Cuban Government Puts the Brakes on Full Implementation of Decree 349, Proposing it be Gradual”

Several Cuban Activists Arrested Protesting Ministry of Culture Decree 349

14ymedio, Havana, 3 December 2018 — At least three activists were arrested on Monday outside Cuba’s Ministry of Culture when they tried to protest against the enactment of Decree 349, which places strict limits on artists and the diffusion of art. Tania Bruguera, Michel Matos and Amaury Pacheco have been arrested, so far, although the figure could … Continue reading “Several Cuban Activists Arrested Protesting Ministry of Culture Decree 349”

A Cuban in the Court of Happiness by Decree / Regina Coyula

Regina Coyula, 11 September 2018 — A friend recently pointed out to me, the Granma newspaper was a magnificent source of inspiration for alternative journalism. I do not subscribe to the paper nor would I be capable of standing in line at a kiosk to buy it, so it is an exception when I find myself with … Continue reading “A Cuban in the Court of Happiness by Decree / Regina Coyula”

Artists Denounce Decree 349 for "Criminalizing Independent Art"

14ymedio, Luz Escobar, Havana | 27 August 2018 — A group of artists who have been promoting an intense campaign against Decree 349 since July are continuing to pressure the country’s authorities not to implement this law that demands that “commercial spaces for plastic arts” have prior authorization and be registered in the Creators’ Registry. … Continue reading “Artists Denounce Decree 349 for "Criminalizing Independent Art"”

In Debate: Replies to Doubts About Decree 348/2018 / Cubalex, Laritza Diversent

What are “artistic services?” Cubalex, 2 August 2018 — Artistic services are those offered by government organisations authorised to contract artistic workers. Artistic services may be requested from these entities. As I understand it, they are like agencies which employ artists or groups of artists. An individual or a business contracts the service, and pays … Continue reading “In Debate: Replies to Doubts About Decree 348/2018 / Cubalex, Laritza Diversent”

Cuban Artists Arrested Protesting in Front of the Capitol Against Decree 349

14ymedio, Havana, 22 July 2018 — Artists Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, Amaury Pacheco OmniPoeta, Iris Ruiz, Soandry Del Rio and José Ernesto Alonso were arrested on Saturday afternoon in front of the Capitol in Havana after an attempt to protest against the recently approved Decree 349 that regulates artistic presentations in private spaces. According to … Continue reading “Cuban Artists Arrested Protesting in Front of the Capitol Against Decree 349”

The Cuban Republic: Buried by Official Decree / Iván García

Iván García, 24 May 2017 — May 20 of this year with mark the 115th anniversary of the birth of the Republic of Cuba. In the Throne Room of the Palace of the Captains General, a building which now serves as the City Museum, Tomás Estrada Palma — born in Bayamo in 1835, died in … Continue reading “The Cuban Republic: Buried by Official Decree / Iván García”

Politicians by Decree and Illiterate by Submission / Cubanet, Victor Manuel Dominguez

Cubanet.org, Victor Manuel Dominguez, Havana, 24 June 2015 – Abel Prieto rides again. Not as the author of two little novels whose names I cannot remember. Nor as the ex-president of a union of writers and authors more sold to the powers-that-be than self-help books at the Havana book fair, or reproductions of “Still Life … Continue reading “Politicians by Decree and Illiterate by Submission / Cubanet, Victor Manuel Dominguez”

“Heroes” by Decree / Fernando Damaso

Archive Photo The profusion of heroes by decree, both Heroes of the Republic and Heroes of the Workers, has always caught my attention, especially when from time to time there is a new crop. They are recognized for military actions, for spying, for cutting cane, for scientific achievements, for baking bread, etc. Céspedes, Agramonte, Maceo, … Continue reading ““Heroes” by Decree / Fernando Damaso”

Decree-Law 300 Will Not Make the Land Produce / Dimas Castellano #Cuba

Just a few days ago, December 9, 2012, Decree-Law 300 came into effect, authorizing the leasing of idle state lands under the concept of usufruct. The new measure repeals Decree-Law 259 of July 2008, whose ridiculous results led to its repeal by the State Council. Judging by the official criteria reported in the press, now … Continue reading “Decree-Law 300 Will Not Make the Land Produce / Dimas Castellano #Cuba”

State Security Fines and Blackmails Users of Social Media in Cuba

14ymedio, Natalia López Moya, Havana, 7 January 2023 — Yanara called her best friend and said to her in code: “My son’s unwell, could you bring me a thermometer?” This was just a strategy to get her old university friend to visit her so she could then tell her what was really on her mind. … Continue reading “State Security Fines and Blackmails Users of Social Media in Cuba”

Are There Any Apolitical Cubans? / Jeovany Jimenez Vega

Jeovany Jimenez Vega, 20 August 2021 — I have always thought it is a lie that there are apolitical Cubans. When I hear a fellow countryman say, whether on the island, or in exile, that that politics are not their thing, and that when they send money back home and guarantee food on their family’s … Continue reading “Are There Any Apolitical Cubans? / Jeovany Jimenez Vega”