During a public event attended by arts schools last Monday, Vice-president of the Republic, Roxana Baldetti, stated it possible that an agreement be signed to involve the Vice-Ministry of Sports in providing more funds to the arts. 

“While still respecting the Constitution that states there should be a percentage of the budget dedicated to sports, I believe we can sign agreements between sports and culture so that both sectors can be enjoyed equally by our youth”, indicated Baldetti, although she did not specify the terms of the agreement.

By the end of the term of the current Government (four years), Baldetti expects art schools to be in a better situation with teachers being better paid and an expansion of course options.

Sport receives a constitutional percentage that is allocated to the Vice-Ministry of Sports and Recreation, a portfolio in the Ministry of Culture and Sports, which some sectors consider is spent unnecessarily.

Art schools however have faced difficulties due to inconsistent or non-existent payments of salary, and the bad conditions of facilities which lack basic equipment that are required in order for schools to function.

Click here to see the full media release (in Spanish).