Decree 349 is a 2018 Cuban law requiring artists to obtain advance permission for public and private exhibitions and performances.[1][2] The law was first proposed April 20, 2018 by Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel, and was published in the Gaceta de Cuba on July 10.[3]
The law gives the government the right to shut down art and book sales, exhibitions, concerts and performances that contain prohibited content.[3] In particular, the law bans art that contains “sexist, vulgar and obscene language” and art using “national symbols” to “contravene current legislation.”[4] Government inspectors fine those breaking the law, and confiscate artwork that contravenes the law.[4] Artists are also restricted from selling artwork without government approval.[3]
The law went into effect on December 7, 2018.[5][6] A group of artists named the San Isidro Movement formed in September 2018 to protest the law.[5][7]
References
edit- ^ "Cuban artists fear crackdown after Tania Bruguera arrest". the Guardian. 6 December 2018.
- ^ Viveros-Fauné, Christian (19 April 2019). "The 2019 Havana Biennial is a smokescreen for government censorship". www.theartnewspaper.com.
- ^ a b c Weber, Jasmine (15 August 2018). "As Criminalization of the Arts Intensifies in Cuba, Activists Organize". Hyperallergic.
- ^ a b Gallo, Rubén (18 February 2019). "Opinion | Is This the End of Cuba's Astonishing Artistic Freedom?". The New York Times.
- ^ a b Board, Editorial. "Opinion | Cuba's raid on dissident creatives shows how much the government fears the power of art". Washington Post.
- ^ Whitefield, Mimi. "New Cuba law that artists say amounts to state censorship will be implemented gradually". miamiherald.com.
- ^ "The Movimiento San Isidro challenges Cuba's regime". The Economist. 3 December 2020.