Argentina’s Deregulation Minister announced the end of state monopolies on cultural activities that restricted artists since the dictatorship of Onganía. The new measure eliminates intermediaries, allowing artists to negotiate royalties directly. The initiative is seen as a significant step towards freeing Argentine culture from decades of state control.
This week, Argentina’s Deregulation Minister, Federico Sturzenegger, announced the removal of restrictions on cultural activities that were established during General Juan Carlos Onganía’s dictatorship from 1966 to 1970. The newly issued Presidential Decree by Javier Milei aims to liberate Argentine culture from the pervasive system of state control that had been in place for five decades. Sturzenegger argued that the prior system forced artists to forfeit their rights through state-sanctioned organizations, a practice he described as “perverse.”
Furthermore, he stated that this control mechanism allowed governments to manipulate artists through selective payments or extortion tactics. He criticized the approach adopted under Kirchnerism, which he claimed exacerbated the hypocrisy in the system. The collective management societies (SGC), such as SADAIC, SAGAI, AADI-CAPIF, DAC, and ARGENTORES, had maintained a monopoly over copyright representation and fee arrangements since Onganía’s era.
Musicians previously needed SADAIC’s approval to modify their own compositions, and any concert performances required upfront payment to SADAIC before reclaiming their royalties. Sturzenegger emphasized that now artists would no longer need intermediaries and could directly negotiate their royalties with users. The deregulation initiative empowers creators to reclaim full control over their rights, allowing them the liberty to choose their representation.
Sturzenegger proudly stated, “Today we can leave behind 50 years of cultural oppression,” signaling a significant shift for artistic freedoms in Argentina. This measure marks a noteworthy step towards fostering a more independent and self-directed cultural environment for artists in the country.
The recent elimination of state-imposed guild monopolies in Argentina is a landmark reform that restores artists’ rights and autonomy over their creations. With the abolition of restrictive practices that have lasted for decades, artists can now negotiate their royalties independently, marking a new era of creative freedom. This deregulation underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a more liberated cultural landscape.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
