The Art under threat: decree 349 confronts artists and government in Cuba

Abstract

Although the controversial Decree 349, which restricts artistic and cultural activities in Cuba, came into force on December 7, the government of President Miguel Diaz Canel had to postpone its application as a result of protests by a good number of Cuban artists and the rejection of human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch. In the words of the Minister of Culture, Alpidio Alonzo, the decree is in a discussion phase and will be implemented progressively, which means that it is in force but will be socialized with artists to produce the complementary rules that will give it content. But what is this Decree about and what can we expect now that it is in force?