“The tug of war between the Spanish ministries of culture and foreign affairs has come to an end. After months of contention, […] a deal has been reached between the two ministries,” reports El País. That resolves the rivalry over who is to run the Instituto Cervantes, Spain’s foreign cultural policy flagship. From now on, it will be each to their own. According to foreign minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, “the foreign ministry will be more competent in maitaining our cultural network abroad [...], whereas the culture ministry will be in charge of putting together the overall cultural "product" and concepts to be presented in those countries.” The new National Foreign Cultural Action Plan will define Spain’s priorities and cultural activities with a view to maximising “consensus and coordination”. Furthermore, it will create a cultural mediator profile to support the embassies.
Spain
Deal to end cultural tug of war
15 July 2009
Presseurop
El País 
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