What is the future of the Art and Cinema world under President Milei with all the funding cuts?

[Flamingo]

Milei has decided to slash or completely eliminate the subsidy for INCA (Instituto Nacional de Cine y Artes Audiovisuales), a move that directly impacts small independent filmmakers who rely on it to stay afloat. Furthermore, he has hinted at cutting the subsidy for Teatro Colon, a municipal theater that receives federal funds. It's crucial to note that most arts institutions worldwide heavily depend on subsidies or substantial corporate/private support.

While the European model leans towards subsidies, the US model relies more on private funding. The big question is whether these arts institutions will struggle to survive under the new government. Will they have to downsize significantly, as seen with the case of the Colon, or can they find ways to streamline operations and cut costs? The uncertainty raises concerns about the future of these cultural entities.

 

[Soytoy]

Adding to the growing concerns, he has taken the drastic step of shutting down the National Foundation of the Arts and the Institute of Theater. Furthermore, there's a wave of layoffs hitting arts employees across the board, with the Museo de Hombre feeling the brunt—losing a staggering 90% of its staff. This ethnographic museum houses delicate historic artifacts, making the situation even more precarious.

The alarming decisions don't stop there. He's considering the sale of historic buildings, such as the Victoria Ocampo house, and contemplating the closure of various national monuments and museums. This move is unsettling, given that numerous global studies consistently highlight the substantial ripple effects of investing in arts and culture. Each dollar spent on the arts tends to have significant multiplying effects, with every arts job creating an additional 2 private sector jobs. The potential consequences for both the cultural heritage and employment landscape are a cause for serious concern.

 

[Avocado]

Oh, what a brilliant strategy for governance – offer absolutely no services and keep expenses close to zilch. Because, you know, who needs a government that, well, governs?

Milei seems to be under the illusion that Argentina is in a league of its own when it comes to facing challenges. I mean, forget about the fact that plenty of countries around the globe have dealt with similar issues without resorting to completely dismantling their entire nation. But hey, who needs a headache when you can have Milei bringing some major migraine action to Argentina? Quite the visionary approach, I must say.

 

[sergio]

It's undeniable that the Teatro Colon could benefit from streamlining its operations to become more efficient. However, the resistance to reform from the strong union complicates the process. Even with improved efficiency, the reality is that the theater will still require subsidies, especially considering the reluctance of corporations to contribute (assuming there are even tax deductions for corporate contributions to the arts). Relying solely on ticket sales to cover costs is impractical, given that pricing is already high.

Certain things hold existential value, and the Teatro Colon significantly enhances the image of both the city and the nation. Similar support will be essential for other arts institutions. A more prudent approach would involve closely monitoring spending, demanding greater efficiency, and emphasizing accountability to ensure the sustainability of these cultural entities.

 

[Howard Stern]

Let me tell you guys one thing. Someone is a “filmmaker” if they make films. If they sit around and pretend to be a filmmaker and pocket the taxpayers money without any films or without any artistic merits, then it’s a different story. But, I completely disagree with the museums are not funded. Museums are the connection of a nation to their past and the heritage.

 

[VINO]

The Fondo Nacional operates outside the regular budget framework, drawing its funding from a unique source—proceeds from copyright fees on the intellectual property of Argentine artists who passed away over 70 years ago. Although this amount might seem modest, it serves a vital purpose. Rather than being pocketed by aspiring filmmakers, it is allocated in the form of modest grants to various fields such as Architecture, Crafts, Art and Technology, Audiovisual Arts, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Design, Letters, Music, and Heritage.

Established in 1958, the Fondo Nacional effectively channels its resources into small-scale projects across the country, with a particular focus on provinces. These funds support endeavors like scholarships, exhibition funding, and the acquisition of crafts, books, and heritage objects. The impact goes beyond the direct grants, as the seed money often generates additional funding and job opportunities. For those seeking more detailed information, including links to relevant laws, accounting details, and examples of projects, it's available firsthand here:

Fondo Nacional de las Artes

Financiamos y promovemos el desarrollo de artistas, gestores y organizaciones culturales sin fines de lucro con una mirada amplia y federal.

www.argentina.gob.ar

It's not just about the Teatro Colon or the CCK; we're talking about an umbrella organization here with a minuscule budget and a tiny staff. This organization plays a crucial role in supporting the very essence of what draws tourists to Argentina – from traditional weavers in Catamarca to preserving cultural traditions like traditional dancing, and even recognizing significant non-cash awards for architectural restoration projects.
Consider the potential sale of the Ocampo House – if it goes through, it might end up as a luxury residence for some affluent individual or worse, torn down to make way for a subpar apartment building. Once it's sold, you can't just change your mind and buy it back, especially if Milei doesn't get re-elected. This historic monument has held its status for at least 15 years, undergone restoration, and serves the public through various functions that benefit everyone, not just a privileged few.

These examples, like the Fondo Nacional and Casa Ocampo, are just the tip of the iceberg in Milei's proposed cuts and sales. Once these institutions are dismantled or properties are sold off, the cost of rebuilding or repurchasing them skyrockets. The loss of institutional knowledge is significant when experienced individuals with 20 or 30 years of expertise in crafts, literature, or architectural restoration are let go.
The bottom line is, once these cultural treasures are gone, they're gone for good.

La casa de Victoria Ocampo fue declarada Monumento Histórico Nacional

Ubicada en Barrio Parque (CABA), la casa impuso un concepto arquitectónico innovador para la época. Ahí mismo se fundó, en 1931, la revista literaria "Sur", una de las más influyentes de su época. Desde el 2005, la casa abrió al público como la Casa de la Cultura del Fondo Nacional de las Artes...

www.argentina.gob.ar

 

[Top Chef Fan]

Oh, sure, let's just throw a massive investment into arts and culture, employ 2 million people, magically creating an additional 4 million jobs – problem solved for Argentina! Because, you know, that's clearly the most straightforward solution.

And hey, the INCAA decides to hire 108 employees just five days after Milei's victory in the PASO. How convenient! I mean, it's truly mind-boggling how those 108 people could possibly translate into a whopping 216 additional jobs elsewhere. The actual number of INCAA employees? Who cares! It must be in the thousands, right?

Sure, let's sympathize with the employees who are undoubtedly concerned. And of course, let's not forget about those expats enjoying arts and culture for free – because that's clearly the biggest moral dilemma here.

But hey, how can we possibly justify these expenses when 50% of the population is struggling with poverty? I mean, who cares about some obscure ethnology museum that they've probably never even heard of, right? Priorities, people!

 

[VINO]

While I might not be an expert on INCAA, it seems pretty clear that nurturing a film industry that not only brings in foreign exchange but also generates jobs involves supporting students, small films, and various projects that provide valuable experience to young individuals. In the filmmaking world, no one lands a gig on a Netflix set without prior experience, and the only way to gain that experience is by actively working on film projects. Having known numerous filmmakers in the US and meeting a few here, it's evident that, aside from some friends in unions, most operate as freelancers, navigating from one job to the next with an incredible amount of hustle. When they receive a $5000 grant, they manage to create a $50,000 film from it.

Based on the information in this article, it's reasonable to believe that the film industry here is roughly a $1 billion business. Those jobs are not just about filmmakers; they rely heavily on the availability of various roles like gaffers, electricians, set and costume designers, prop people, camera rentals, craft services, and more. I witness film shoots near Plaza San Martin 2 or 3 times a month, involving around 50 to 100 people each time. In both Buenos Aires and Hollywood, government film commissions play a significant role in creating these job opportunities.

Netflix has been actively contributing to the Argentine film and TV scene lately. Much like in Vancouver, BC, it's the combination of a robust industry base, skilled employees, and government support that makes such contributions possible.

https://blogs.iadb.org/cultura-arte-creatividad/es/the-multiplier-effect-of-the-screen-industries-in-latin-america-argentina-brazil-colombia-and-mexico/

 

[sergio]

It appears that many, if not all, cultural institutions funded by the government could likely function more efficiently with proper oversight. The answer doesn't lie in their elimination but in holding them accountable. An example of the challenges within these institutions is Paloma Herrera's resignation as the director of the Teatro Colon Ballet. She cited her inability to navigate the bureaucratic chaos, including absurd union regulations that mandated the employment of 65-year-old dancers, a policy clearly impractical for ballet dancers who typically cannot perform beyond 40-45 years. The solution should involve reforming these nonsensical practices, but it shouldn't entail shutting down the entire operation. Paloma discusses these issues here:

 

[GlasgowJohn]

Perhaps we should remember that the MALBA , the best museum in Buenos Aires is privately funded.

 

[Betsy Ross]

Perhaps we should remember that the MALBA , the best museum in Buenos Aires is privately funded.

The MALBA is fabulous and they always do a great job. Great reminder @GlasgowJohn. Do you know who funds it? Just private donations? Wealthy family? Etc?

 

[GlasgowJohn]

The MALBA is fabulous and they always do a great job. Great reminder @GlasgowJohn. Do you know who funds it? Just private donations? Wealthy family? Etc?

@Betsy Ross , its financed by a Foundation controlled by Eduardo Constantini and his family - A guy with multiple business interests but especially well known for the development of Nordelta

 

[Used]

@Betsy Ross , its financed by a Foundation controlled by Eduardo Constantini and his family - A guy with multiple business interests but especially well known for the development of Nordelta

Thank you. I didn't know that about it being privately funded. Must have some big $$$$$. Do Argentines get tax write offs for things like this?

 

[GlasgowJohn]

Thank you. I didn't know that about it being privately funded. Must have some big $$$$$. Do Argentines get tax write offs for things like this?

He has a bit of spare cash......

 

[illegal alien]

He has a bit of spare cash......

Why do the rich have all the fun? I would love to open fancy art museums free to the public as well. If only I had the money!

 

[Flamingo]

Ah, the drama behind the bureaucratic curtains! So, word on the street – or should I say, the Fondo Nacional boardroom – is that even Milei's freshly minted appointee as the head honcho is gearing up for a royal rumble with the man himself. Why, you ask? Well, it seems our dear Milei is on a mission to slash and burn through all things artsy, and not everyone's buying tickets to that show.

Picture this: a board meeting where the arts funding guillotine is swinging, and our newly appointed head of the Fondo is like, "Hold up, Milei, we've got a clash of creative ideas here!" It's like watching a soap opera plot unfold, but with more budgetary casualties.
So, will Milei's artistic austerity measures pass the board's critique? Only time will tell, my friend. Will the Fondo Nacional become a battleground for budget battles? Grab your popcorn – this bureaucratic saga is just getting started!

 

[sergio]

Ah, Milei and his fellow fiscal conservatives – they're like the anti-art crusaders, wielding their budgetary swords without a care for the existential magic of the arts. Prestige, international recognition, tourism dollars – it's like they missed the memo on the secret sauce for a nation's success!

And cue the interview with Paloma Herrera – it's basically a front-row seat to the circus of ridiculous labor laws. I mean, come on, it's high time someone grabbed the reform wand and started swishing it over these absurd regulations. Milei, buddy, focus your laser beams on the real villain – the outdated labor laws. It's like trying to fix a leaky faucet by redecorating the entire house. Let's get real and tackle the root of the problem!

 

[Top Chef Fan]

At this juncture, it appears that Milei is engaged in a conflicting dialogue with himself. Were he to adopt a more serious stance, it would necessitate a meticulous outline of his plan, the identification of critical changes, and a steadfast commitment to advocating for their implementation. The approach of indiscriminate reduction at every juncture, however, instigates heightened resistance and disperses efforts across a broad spectrum.

Addressing inflation demands a methodical and persistent strategy, subject to constant challenges. Optimal results derive from a measured and strategic course of action, avoiding the alienation of all stakeholders simultaneously. It is imperative to recognize that antagonizing every faction concurrently is a certain path to impeding progress and achieving naught.

 

[All the Answers]

Oh, the Libertarian dream – a world where the magical wand of deregulation solves all problems. It's like they've got this secret recipe, and it's called "Less Rules, More Utopia." Personally, I think the world's a bit like a complicated puzzle, and compromise is the only glue that holds it together. But hey, who needs compromise when you've got ideology, right?

Milei's DNU extravaganza seems to have a heavy dose of ideological window dressing. It's like he's playing political dress-up, and half the wardrobe is just for show. Two different Argentines from opposite ends of the political galaxy even bet that Milei might not make it to June – talk about a political expiration date!

And here's the kicker – non-Peronists are doing the "Thanks, but no thanks" dance to Milei's government nominations. Why? Well, they don't fancy the idea of being a four-month wonder in the world of politics. Case in point: the directorship of Migraciones is feeling a bit like the captaincy of a sinking ship – nobody wants to grab the wheel for a mere four months. It's like a game of political hot potato, and Milei's struggling to find takers. Oh, the joys of short-term employment in the world of political roulette!

 

[sergio]

I concur with the notion that compromise is an essential element in governance.
The possibility of Milei's presidency lasting only four months could be contingent on various factors within the framework of constitutional democracy. Unlike historical instances where military intervention led to leadership changes, contemporary democratic systems rely on legal and institutional mechanisms for the removal of a sitting president.

The removal of a president typically adheres to constitutional procedures, which might include impeachment processes initiated in response to allegations of misconduct, constitutional violations, or other legal infractions. Such proceedings involve a thorough examination of evidence and a legislative decision-making process.

It is crucial to recognize that speculations regarding the potential brevity of Milei's presidency are speculative in nature and depend on the unfolding dynamics of Argentine politics. The robust legal and constitutional framework in place governs the stability and tenure of elected leaders, contributing to a more predictable and regulated political landscape.