Panama, April 21, 2025 - During her appearance at the National Assembly's plenary session, the Minister of Culture supported the Bill that lays down the Ornaments of the City of the Arts and of the Center for Art and Culture at Colón, emphasizing that these agencies are crucial to ensuring the development, sustainability and democratization of access to culture in Panama.

"Today we come up with a proposal that will pay a historic debt to the artistic sector. The creation of these patronatos does not only secure permanent homes for our artistic training institutions but also guarantees participatory, transparent and forward-looking management for Panamanian culture," she said.

The incumbent of culture emphasized that patronates will be public, autonomous and non-profit private entities, with representatives from the State, the corporate sector and civil society, with ad honórem boards and clear monitoring mechanisms, such as annual audits supported by the Comptroller General.

With this model, they consolidate the City of the Arts, in Llanos de Curundú, and the Center of Art and Culture of Colón as twin axes of artistic formation, creative innovation and heritage conservation.

Cultural rights will also be guaranteed with an inclusive approach, ensuring access for children, youth, older persons and persons with disabilities.

The Minister also emphasized the economic impact of the project and noted that trade fairs, festivals and strategic alliances will stimulate the cultural industry, generate jobs and boost tourism.

"Investment in culture isn't an expense, it's an investment in identity, social cohesion and sustainable development for all provinces and communities of the country," she emphasized at the end of her intervention.

The legislative proposal includes guarantees such as sustained state contribution, fiscal incentives for donations and public competition for the selection of managers from both employers, strengthening a clear Roadmap for institutional strengthening of the Panamanian cultural sector.