Social Objectives of the Cuban Union of Writers and Artists

The president of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (Uneac), Miguel Barnet, stressed today that the main objective of this organization is cultural and social.

On the way to this ninth Congress we have put into practice a much more effective method for discussing our agenda and to ensure greater depth in the participatory vocation of the creators, said the ethnologist at the opening of debates at the Convention Center of this capital.

As explained, assemblies across the country allowed a thorough review of the structures, led to a much more fruitful and timely dialogue with the institutions and established a critical path to set clear problems and define strategies.

The most diverse opinions were expressed with complete freedom and absolute respect in assemblies that almost always had a very high participation, which confirmed the convening power of the organization, he said.

Barnet acknowledged the willingness of the Ministry of Culture, its institutions and provincial directorates to work in coordination with Uneac in the construction of an open, unbiased and transparent dialogue.

The cultural development in a society like ours does not only belong to the intellectual and artistic movement, not even to the institutions of the sector, but to the whole society, he stressed.

The Uneac has always been a banner of truth and cultural diversity. We have fought valiantly against the unique thought that laments consciences; That is why we defend the profound debate of our culture, he added.

The poet, narrator and essayist recalled that the Uneac has contributed to establish principles and hierarchies in culture, in an all-out struggle against the banal and the superfluous.

It is necessary and urgent, he said, to promote ethical and aesthetic values, promoting integral growth of the human being.

Culture should accompany the effort that is being made today to unleash the productive forces of the country and achieve a prosperous and participatory socialism, against the current growing imperial hostility, he observed.

At the same time, he recalled that a component of prosperity lies in the spiritual dimension offered by culture.

The cohesion of Cuban cultural policy is a priority task against the enemies' attempts to divide the artistic movement with siren songs and manipulate it for subversive purposes, he added.

According to the president, the Uneac is in the inexcusable duty to support and promote the authentic national culture.

To close the inaugural words, Barnet invited to dedicate the work of this 9th Congress of the Uneac, to the memory and the legacy of the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, who is and will be a guide and source of inspiration for the intellectual and artistic vanguard.