Argentina Deregulates Cultural Activities, Eliminating State Monopolies
Argentina’s Deregulation Minister, Federico Sturzenegger, announced the elimination of state-imposed guild monopolies controlling cultural activities since the 1966 dictatorship. The new decree allows artists freedom to manage their copyrights directly, dismantling previous intermediaries like SADAIC and restoring autonomy in negotiating royalties and representation. This significant move aims to liberate Argentine culture from decades of oppression.
This week, Argentina’s Deregulation Minister, Federico Sturzenegger, announced the abolishment of restrictions on cultural activities that had been in place since the dictatorship of General Juan Carlos Onganía, which lasted from 1966 to 1970. The new Presidential Decree issued by Javier Milei aims to liberate Argentine culture from the oppressive system of state control established five decades ago. Sturzenegger described the previous system as “perverse,” highlighting its role in controlling artists and their income through state-sanctioned organizations.
Minister Sturzenegger criticized the previous management under Kirchnerism, which he claimed exacerbated the state’s grip on artistic freedom while pretending to support and promote creativity. The old mechanism allowed governments to wield power over artists’ rights, thus enabling manipulation through financial benefits or extortion. He noted how this system also funneled resources into a fund where favoritism was prevalent, evident in the phrase, “the one who shares keeps the best part.”
Under the rules that existed since Onganía, collective management societies such as SADAIC, SAGAI, AADI-CAPIF, DAC, and ARGENTORES monopolized copyright representation and fee-setting. An impacted musician recounted how he needed SADAIC’s approval even to make arrangements to his own works. Concert musicians had to pay SADAIC initially and subsequently seek reimbursement to access their royalties, creating unnecessary intermediaries.
The new governmental measures dismantle these monopolies, empowering authors and creators to engage in private agreements without intermediaries, enabling them to collect their own royalties and negotiate user fees directly. Sturzenegger emphasized that this restoration of autonomy signifies a fundamental shift, permitting artists to represent themselves or select their representatives freely.
Sturzenegger expressed optimism about this development, stating, “Today we can leave behind 50 years of cultural oppression.” This signifies a notable turn in Argentina’s cultural landscape, signifying freedom and independence for its artists.
The recent decree by the Argentine government marks a significant transformation in the cultural landscape, eliminating state-imposed monopolies that have controlled artists for decades. By enabling creators to manage their rights independently, the government aims to foster genuine artistic expression and freedom. This proactive measure not only addresses historical grievances but also promotes a more equitable system for artists in Argentina.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
