The Cuban Ministry of Culture has enacted Resolution 29/2026, introducing a revamped set of rules for the Evaluation System of Artists. This newly approved regulation outlines the criteria for officially recognizing professionals in music, performing arts, and audiovisual sectors.
Issued on September 9 and published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba on September 18, 2026, the resolution appears in Ordinary Gazette No. 78, spanning pages 163 to 170.
This measure stems from a specific directive within Law 189, known as the "Labor Code," which received approval on July 30, 2026. The law's Second Final Provision mandates the Culture Minister to sanction the evaluation process for those in the artistic fields.
Upon implementation, this new regulation will replace Resolution 45, which had governed such evaluations since June 16, 2014.
Key Components of the New Artist Evaluation Process
The regulation specifies that artist evaluation involves assessing artistic work outcomes, a prerequisite for professional practice in the artistic domain, except where current labor laws provide exemptions.
During the evaluation, two documents are issued: the Evaluation Certificate and the Professional Endorsement. These evaluations can be conducted individually or collectively, and they occur systematically and periodically, taking into account four key indicators: overall and technical-professional readiness, practical and specific knowledge, artistic achievements, and artistic career.
Differences in Artist Classification
The regulation differentiates between subsidized artists, who receive state-funded salaries based on their accredited performance level, and non-subsidized artists, whose earnings derive from the commercial success of their performances.
This regulation applies to musicians, performing artists, audiovisual creators, and their corresponding artistic units. It also extends to agencies and centers under the Ministry of Culture, the Company of Recordings and Musical Editions (EGREM), the commercial entity ARTEX S.A., provincial music and performing arts councils, commercial enterprises, and other entities authorized to hire artists.
Additionally, it covers non-graduated artists from the artistic education system who are in the process of professionalization within the sector.
Oversight and Methodological Guidance
Methodological oversight of the evaluation is managed by Cuban institutes such as the Institute of Music, the Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC), the National Council of Performing Arts, and the Institute of Information and Social Communication (ICS). These bodies' presidents have the authority to develop specialty-specific methodologies, appoint evaluation boards, and handle appeals against their decisions.
Resolution 29/2026 is part of a trio of regulations by the Ministry of Culture, all featured in Gazette No. 78. The other two are Resolution 28/2026, which addresses artistic workers' contract types and remuneration, and Resolution 30/2026, concerning the contracting and commercialization of music and performing arts presentations.
All three resolutions were released simultaneously and will become effective seven days after their publication in the Official Gazette.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's New Artist Evaluation System
What is the purpose of Resolution 29/2026?
Resolution 29/2026 establishes a new framework for evaluating artists in Cuba, setting criteria for professional accreditation in music, performing arts, and audiovisual sectors.
Who manages the evaluation process?
The evaluation process is overseen by Cuban institutes such as the Institute of Music, ICAIC, the National Council of Performing Arts, and the ICS, which develop methodologies and appoint evaluation boards.
How does the new regulation affect non-subsidized artists?
Non-subsidized artists, whose income comes from the commercial success of their performances, are subject to the same evaluation criteria and must obtain professional accreditation.