Cultural management

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the configuration of public cultural institutions, policies, and legal frameworks in Central America as well as a description of those training initiatives aimed at cultural agents in each country of the region. Central America’s cultural sector demonstrates various levels of development and different political-institutional characteristics. This chapter examines the meaning of culture within the region and how it is reflected in the institutional, normative, and political structures as well as in the theoretical-methodological approaches that inspire cultural action. In addition, it reviews the emergence of new legal frameworks in this field. With regard to the changes resulting from globalisation and the challenges posed by the economic revival of these sectors in the post-Covid-19 pandemic context, both the defence of cultural diversity and the right to participate in cultural life as a fundamental principle, require the empowerment of citizens at large on an equal footing, as stipulated in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. In the last section, following a general review of the region, the creation of a cultural management training network resulting from inter-university cooperation and appropriate to the diverse as well as shared contexts of the Central American and Caribbean countries receives special attention. © 2021 selection and editorial matter, Raphaela Henze and Federico Escribal.