Cultural Policy Models - VIII: The Egyptian Model?

First written by vrazzaz and 0 others, on Tue, 2010/02/02 - 2:02pm, and has been viewed by unique users

Pen Temple Pilots

From: vrazzaz@yahoo.com
Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 04:02:05 -0800 (PST)
At a first glimpse, it would seem that Egypt follows the Continental European (aka French) Model: It regulates and finances culture, owns cultural institutions and organizes cultural events and festivals. However, the “right to culture” is definitely not a prime concern for the state, which undermines the credibility of the state’s intervention in the cultural life. Moreover, there is evidence on manipulation of culture by the state to serve a political agenda (sometimes, the state awards are used to hush down opposition or to polarize intellectuals).
 
In 1958, Tharwat Okasha became the first Minister of Culture & National Guidance (whatever that means!). However, a “true” Ministry of Culture appeared only in 1966 with the separation between Cultural and National Guidance. Tharwat Okasha became the first Minister of Culture (and Deputy Prime Minister).
 
The Ministry has many affiliated authorities and councils: The Cultural Development Fund, the Opera House, General Authority of Culture Palaces, Supreme Council of Antiquities, Supreme Council of Culture, etc.
 
The “stated” cultural policy of Egypt (set by Farouk Hosny) stresses the “society” element, and does not mention the “individual”. There is no mention of diversity, minor ethnic, religious and linguistic groups, and no mention for interaction with other cultures.
 
I am only stating facts, and will refrain from giving opinionated statements because I prefer to hear your comments, if any.
 

At a first glimpse, it would seem that Egypt follows the Continental European (aka French) Model: It regulates and finances culture, owns cultural institutions and organizes cultural events and festivals. However, the “right to culture” is definitely not a prime concern for the state, which undermines the credibility of the state’s intervention in the cultural life. Moreover, there is evidence on manipulation of culture by the state to serve a political agenda (sometimes, the state awards are used to hush down
opposition or to polarize intellectuals).


 


In 1958, Tharwat Okasha became the first Minister of Culture & National Guidance (whatever that means!). However, a “true” Ministry of Culture appeared only in 1966 with the separation between Cultural and National Guidance. Tharwat Okasha became the first Minister of Culture (and Deputy Prime Minister).


 


The Ministry has many affiliated authorities and councils: The Cultural Development Fund, the Opera House, General Authority of Culture Palaces, Supreme Council of Antiquities, Supreme Council of Culture, etc.


 


The “stated” cultural policy of Egypt (set by Farouk Hosny) stresses the “society” element, and does not mention the “individual”. There is no mention of diversity, minor ethnic, religious and linguistic groups, and no mention for interaction with other cultures.


 


I am only stating facts, and will refrain from giving opinionated statements because I prefer to hear your comments, if any.