Colombian Ministry of Culture Defends Legality of Cultural Project Transfers

According to the ministry, the law orders the promotion, financing, and strengthening of cultural, community, and heritage expressions throughout the national territory. According to Mi Cultura, these transfers are legal, mandatory, and an essential part of the institutional mandate, backed by the legal framework of Law 90 of 2019. "Anyone who claims these transfers are improper is unaware of or ignores the law," the institution stated. The Ministry of Culture clarified this weekend that there are no irregularities or discretion in the use of funds in the transfers made by the Ministry of Culture to the municipalities. "These are compliance with the Law that protects work with communities through local governments, patronages, and social organizations," it adds. It also indicates that due to the transparency and traceability carried out, established procedures have been followed, and there is documentation and technical justification that is public, auditable, and part of the regular functions of the Ministry of Culture since its creation. It also indicates that Law 175 of 2020, the "General Law of Culture," ratifies that obligation and establishes it as the State's responsibility to financially support cultural activities, traditional festivals, community celebrations, and heritage, through municipalities, patronages, and local organizations. Mi Cultura states that more than 50 municipal cultural projects presented nationwide with technical rigor are projected for 2026, with the execution of 18 cultural tourism and sustainable development proposals, selected with verifiable criteria and oriented towards real community impact. "The accusations spread lack a legal and technical basis. Facts and the law completely refute them," the communiqué adds. "They are not privileges, exceptions, or political decisions."