The Arrecife City Council Plenary has initially approved this Friday the Regulatory Ordinance of the Bases of Subsidies to be granted by the Department of Culture, led by Abigail González, a regulatory framework that will boost the cultural life of the municipality and strengthen support for entities and groups that develop cultural initiatives in the city.
This new ordinance establishes a transparent procedure and objective for the granting of financial aid in a competitive competition system, with clear assessment criteria such as the cultural roots of the project, its impact on the neighborhoods, external co-financing or the degree of citizen participation.
“This ordinance was an urgent need to provide legal certainty and clarity to the cultural subsidy policy. Our intention is to promote an open, diverse and participatory culture that reaches every corner of Arrecife,” explained Councilor Abigail González.
The regulation contemplates two main lines of action: the promotion of traditional Canarian culture, including folklore workshops, crafts and native instruments; and support for cultural expressions in general, in all its forms. Non-profit associations based in Arrecife as well as non-formalized groups of at least ten people may be included, thus promoting greater neighborhood involvement.
“We don't want anyone to be left out. This ordinance facilitates access to public resources also to informal groups that have good ideas and commitment to local culture,” adds the councilor.
The text also establishes that payments will be made in advance to facilitate the execution of activities, and details precisely the evaluation criteria, with special attention to gender equality, innovation and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
After its publication in the Official Gazette of the Province, a public information period of thirty days will be opened for the presentation of allegations. If none are presented, the agreement will be considered definitively approved.
With this initiative, the Department of Culture takes a firm step towards the professionalization and democratization of access to cultural resources, aligning its action with the principles of participation, transparency and equity.
“This framework will allow us to consolidate a solid, close and culturally rich program. Culture is a right and, as such, must be accessible to everyone,” concludes Abigail González.