Art is a universal language full of nuances, especially in a multi-ethnic and multicultural country like Colombia. For this reason, initiatives that seek to feed the creative spirit of citizens are conceived on many occasions from the public sphere.
There are, for example, the initiatives promoted by the National Stimulus Program (PNE), directed by the Ministry of Culture, which translate into scholarships, recognitions, prizes, residences or internships.
“The PNE seeks to fulfill the constitutional mission of promoting, supporting and stimulating the artistic and cultural activity of Colombians, by facilitating the participation and access of those interested in the different calls for a portfolio that this year recognizes the creative contributions of women, youth, the disabled population, ethnic groups, the Lgbtiq+ population and the signatories of the peace agreement; that bets on the importance of artistic training processes and that promotes the safeguarding and protection of cultural heritage”, explains Isabel Cristina Restrepo Erazo, coordinator of the Group for the Promotion and Encouragement of Creation, Research and Artistic Activity and Cultural.
In previous editions of the program, residencies and internships they had been out of it due to issues related to the pandemic, however, today they are back: the first allow a short period of immersion, research or creation in a place other than the winner’s home to broaden their panorama and the second allow the development of activities or training processes artistic, cultural or national or international cultural heritage.
Restrepo points out that the scholarships seek to support the development of creation, training, circulation or research processes, through the realization or culmination of an artistic and cultural proposal that has not been finished, while the awards are the highest distinction given by the Ministry of Culture to exalt the work, work, trajectory, dedication, processes and contributions made by artists, creators, researchers and managers, whose work has had a social impact.
Meanwhile, the recognitions highlight processes, projects, works or trajectories of people and organizations that have made a significant contribution to culture.
Who can participate?
Regarding the profiles that the National Incentive Program seeks to reward, it can be said that it varies according to the type of call, although it is important to keep in mind that it includes natural persons, Colombians, over 18 years of age, residents or not in the country, and foreigners. Over 18 years of age who prove residence for the last five years.
Groups, legal persons of a private nature such as community action boards, foundations, associations, corporations, for-profit or non-profit entities, unions, legal persons of a public nature, such as governors, districts or mayoralties, and decentralized organizations of a public nature may participate. .
Also There is room for Afro-Colombian, Palenquero, Raizales, as well as for the indigenous population, who are part of the cultural sector and meet the requested requirements,
Restrepo points out that “transformations can be generated in our society through culture, which has been marked by violence and needs tools to recognize, heal and build new narratives, which is why the content of the PNE ratifies the importance they have the processes of artistic formation, not only in the qualification of the sector but in the strengthening of a creative, active and reflective citizenship”.
The options in the city
In Medellín, the Mayor’s Office opened the third Call for Promotion and Incentives for Art and Culture, which benefits artists, managers and cultural creators of the city, with which 140 stimuli will be delivered divided into lines of action: 32 will be part of the Ciudad Lectora program “which rewards the strengthening of publishing, literary creation, support for the book chain and the promotion of reading”.
These will be delivered through the Heritage program, which promotes recovery, preservation and heritage appropriation actions. Another 98 are intended for the participants of the Speaker Festival. The remaining ten will be delivered through the Heritage program, which promotes recovery, preservation and heritage appropriation actions.
“These calls are focused on the theater, dance, music, audiovisual sectors, and we are currently promoting 38 new lines that allow those who had not had access to these promotion and stimulus processes to participate, I I am referring to street artists, indigenous people, researchers, people focused on technological transformation, because these training processes bring creative results,” says Álvaro Narváez, secretary of Citizen Culture of Medellín.
DATES
NATIONAL STIMULUS PROGRAM
– Applies to the 1,318 stimuli offered between prizes (18), recognitions (199), scholarships (1,070), residences (18) and internships (13).
Summons: Ministry of Culture
Closing: April 3, 2023 at 11:59 pm
ENCOURAGE THE TRANSLATION OF LITERARY WORKS FROM ENGLISH TO SPANISH
Summons: Medellín Mayor’s Office
Closing: March 29, 2023 at 5:00 pm
READING CITY STIMULI
– Stimulus to creation in children’s or youth literature, unpublished or finished work
– Stimulus to the creation in graphic novel or comic book, unpublished work not finished
– Stimulus to strengthen the writer-publisher value chain
– Incentives for the publication, distribution and circulation of literary products
– Stimuli to promote reading, writing and orality
– Stimulus for the promotion of reading, writing and orality through oral narration
– Stimulus to the leo bookstore circuit
Summons: Medellín Mayor’s Office
Closes: March 29, 2023 at 5:00 pm
HERITAGE STIMULUS
– Stimulus for the reconstruction of oral memories and audiovisual narratives about the silletera culture.
– Incentives for the appropriation of the special plan for the safeguarding of the silletera culture
– Incentives for the recognition of traditional craft techniques in Medellín
– Incentives for the celebration of heritage month
– Incentives for the creation of heritage routes or tours
– Stimulus for the creation of didactic resources to experience the cultural memories of the city
Summons: Medellín Mayor’s Office
Closes: April 4, 2023 at 5:00 pm
