Practical Approaches to Cultural Programming in Communities Undergoing Transformation: Key to Education and Identity

Abstract

In the context of communities undergoing transformation, cultural programming is considered an essential resource for education, the strengthening of cultural identity, and sustainability. From this perspective, the potential of cultural promoters to contribute to education, cultural identity, and sustainability remains insufficiently utilized. Their work is primarily focused on amateur artistic activities, which often results in processes characterized by a technicist approach to artistic expressions and by an understanding of culture more as an attribute than as a value. This situation is further compounded by limited knowledge of Cuban and local cultural expressions that are highly significant to community identity. To address this issue, various educational practices were implemented to strengthen cultural identity and improve the management of cultural programming in San Pablo, a rural community in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, identified as a community undergoing transformation. The objective was to propose a practical approach to cultural programming management that would contribute to strengthening the community’s cultural identity. The study adopted a qualitative, exploratory, and interpretive approach, using participatory action research as its methodological framework. The proposed approach to cultural programming management contributed to strengthening the community’s cultural identity. It also demonstrated potential for implementation in both academic settings and the management of cultural processes undertaken by cultural institutions and other public-sector social actors. The proposed approach validated cultural programming management as a valuable mechanism for social transformation through the strengthening of community cultural identity.