The Cuban Ministry of Culture announced on Friday the enactment of Resolution 30/2026, which introduces a revamped framework for the Hiring and Marketing of Musical Performances, Music Shows, and Performing Arts. This new set of guidelines was detailed in the Official Gazette No. 78 Ordinary of 2026, spanning pages 170 to 176.
Originally issued on September 9, 2026, this resolution explicitly nullifies Resolution 70 from September 19, 2013, which governed artistic contracts in Cuba for over ten years.
As stated in Article 1, the new regulation aims to "set the standards for the hiring and marketing of artistic performances by non-subsidized artistic units in music, music shows, and performing arts, both domestically and internationally."
The provisions apply to those working in the arts sector and authorized artistic representation entities, which include agencies and centers under MINCULT, the Recordings and Musical Editions Company (EGREM), the commercial entity ARTEX S.A., provincial music and performing arts centers and councils, among other specifically authorized Central State Administration entities.
Contractual Arrangements and Income Distribution
The resolution outlines two types of contractual arrangements for marketing performances: the artistic representation contract and the artistic services contract.
An artistic representation contract—signed between the representation entity and the artistic unit—must specify the group's or performer's stage name, compensation amounts for unjustified breaches, reasons for termination due to technical-artistic issues, and include an annex listing all members and their compensation percentages.
According to Article 6, "the remuneration percentages for the artistic unit are determined between the director and its members," and adjustments can only be made to accommodate repertoire changes "properly conceived and authorized by the Technical Council."
Payment can be executed individually for each member of the artistic unit or channeled through a single member, based on what is agreed upon in the contract.
Responsibilities of Representation Entities and Artistic Units
Representation entities are required to handle the promotion and marketing of performances, ensure the agreed conditions with clients are met, complete payments within the agreed timeframe, and withhold the portion for personal income before processing payments.
Meanwhile, artistic units are obligated to deliver quality performances, adhere to agreed dates and times, and provide prior notice if a potential breach is anticipated.
Legal Foundation and Additional Regulations
The legal basis for this resolution is Law 189, the "Labor Code," passed by the National Assembly on July 30, 2026. Its Final Provision Second, clause b), empowers the Minister of Culture to approve the system of artistic hiring, marketing, and compensation in these fields.
Furthermore, Gazette No. 78 also includes Resolutions 28/2026 and 29/2026 from MINCULT, addressing employment contract modalities and remuneration in the arts sector, and establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for the Cuban cultural sector.
Understanding Cuba's New Cultural Regulations
What is the purpose of Cuba's new cultural regulation?
The regulation aims to establish standards for hiring and marketing performances by non-subsidized artistic units in music and performing arts both within Cuba and internationally.
What types of contracts are included in the new regulation?
The regulation includes two types of contracts for marketing performances: the artistic representation contract and the artistic services contract.
How does the new regulation affect income distribution for artists?
Income distribution is determined between the artistic unit's director and its members, with changes allowed only for approved repertoire adjustments.