The President of the Uneac meets with the Scientific Council of the University of Havana

It is impossible for Cuba to think of itself as a nation without the imprint that culture has left on its history. The president of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (Uneac), Luis Morlote Rivas, discussed this and other ideas raised by the Revolution’s cultural policy, its evolution and current challenges with members of the University Scientific Council of the University of Havana (UH), as part of a meeting aimed at strengthening the links between Cuba’s artistic vanguard and higher education.

During the meeting, which took place at the Villena Hall, Morlote Rivas outlined the process of cultural transformation that has taken place in Cuba since 1959. He highlighted the importance of Fidel’s speech «Words to the Intellectuals», which has become a platform and guide for the work of bringing the best of Cuban and universal art to the people.

The professors were interested in Uneac’s response to the challenges of continuing to have an inclusive cultural policy that takes into account Fidel Castro’s emancipatory concept of art and knowledge.

They were also concerned about the importance of maintaining the system of school libraries. In this day and age, it is increasingly important to offer options that satisfy citizens, based on indigenous and identity-based proposals.

Isel Pascual Alonso, PhD, President of the University Scientific Council of the University of Havana, said on behalf of her colleagues that it was a real privilege to witness the historical evolution of Uneac, an institution that is so important for the cultural development of Cuba.

The debate focused on the main challenges that Cuban culture is facing today and how the UH and higher education in general can play a very important and leading role in the various challenges and new tasks in the daily work of the nation.

During their tour of Uneac, the members of the University Scientific Council of the University of Havana visited symbolic sites of the national headquarters, such as the Hurón Azul, the Villa Manuela Gallery and the current exhibition, The World as a Supermarket, by Janette Brossard. This meeting represents a commitment to strengthening the link between the Cuban university and the Cuban artistic and intellectual movement.

Written by José Vázquez Ferreiro/ Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba

Translated by Luis E. Amador Dominguez