National Cooperation. Cultural Industries

Roma Cultural Institute Foundation

The Roma Cultural Institute is a state-owned public sector foundation associated with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. Its objectives are to develop and promote Roma history, culture and language, the dissemination of its knowledge and recognition through studies, research and publications.

Its creation was authorised by the Council of Ministers held on 9 March 2007. Through this initiative, the Ministry Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport is promoting the recognition of the Roma culture and its contribution to the cultural heritage of all Spaniards, for the first time through the state public sector.

The Fundación Instituto de Cultura Gitana (Roma Cultural Institute Foundation) is based in Madrid and has the following objectives, among others:

• To propose measures aimed at achieving harmonious coexistence between the different groups and cultures which make up our society.
• To develop and promote Roma culture and language in all its forms.
• To establish mechanisms and strategies which effectively help to preserve and develop the cultural heritage of the Roma community.

The inaugural meeting of the Foundation's Board of Trustees was held on 31 May 2007 at the headquarters of the Ministry of Culture and chaired by the Ministry.

The Board of Trustees comprises the Ministries of Education, Social Policy and Sports; Public Administrations and Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Other members of the board include the Federación Española de Municipios y Provincias (Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces) and the Consejo Estatal del Pueblo Gitano (State Council of the Roma Community), represented by its Second Vice-President. Those autonomous regions which decide to form part of the Foundation can also join.

Three representatives, chosen from bodies and cultural groups from civil society and from among qualified professionals recognised for their knowledge and experience in Roma-related matters, will also form part of the Board as elected trustees.

At its inaugural meeting, the Foundation Board agreed to the appointment of Mr. Diego Fernández Jiménez as Director of the Roma Cultural Institute.

Agreements were also adopted in respect of the appointment of Mr. Juan de Dios Ramírez Heredia (elected trustee) as Vice-President of the Board, and the creation of an Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees comprised of five members.Salto de líneaSalto de líneaThrough the constitution of the Fundación Instituto de Cultura Gitana, the Spanish Government is implementing the motion unanimously approved by Parliament on 27 September 2005, urging the Government to promote the culture, history, identity and language of the Roma people.Salto de línea