Movement of Movements for Cultural Diversity: network of community groups
To promote the strengthening of cultural heritage and diversity networks, while highlighting the significance of interculturality in the actions carried out by the community, so that citizens can achieve a more humanist nature.
The “Movement of Movements” project involves the creation of networks gathering local artists and artisans. At present, more than 800 tradition groups nationwide have been brought together in 358 Community Councils for the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage and Cultural Diversity. They share the following characteristics: 32% are devotional, 28% are rural and deal with activities typically carried out in such an environment, 12% are related to indigenous populations, with ancestral links to nature and sustainable practices; and another 12% are of African descent.
This is done through a monitoring program carried out by state-level delegations belonging to the Center for Cultural Diversity during visits to the various communities, in order to foster their practices, document their knowledge, promote the significance of each entity, and link them to the movement of networks.
In addition to this, educational activities are developed and carried out in schools and community spaces to promote dissemination on to newer generations and contribute to any safeguarding measure. The goal included no less than 350 tradition groups from different communities located across the country, but eventually we will be covering more and more settlements and remote rural areas with the plan.
During the 2013-2016 period, 4,520 gatherings took place to consolidate intercultural networks; 8,347 memory records were produced regarding various cultural expressions; 2,593 intercultural gatherings to prepare records for the “Venezuela Plural” collection; 8,370 memory records in the 21st century; 235 heritage-related restorations were carried out by the Center for Cultural Diversity; 14 reports were produced on cultural diversity and cultural heritage in Venezuela; 1,898 cultural gatherings took place with community organizations and government entities for the benefit of cultural diversity and intangible cultural heritage; 23 traditional expressions of cultural diversity were recorded along with its bearers; and 175 gatherings took place to disseminate and preserve the cultural heritage of Venezuela, Latin America and the Caribbean.
An average of US$ 75,000 were allocated per year to this project between 2013 and 2016, both from the regular national budget and supplemental appropriations.