LENORE YAFFEE GARCÍA DIRECTOR OFFICE OF EDUCATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION AND CULTURE EXECUTIVE SECRETARIAT FOR INTEGRAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES (OAS) November 9, 2011 Washington, D.C.

INTRODUCTION These experiences represent powerful communication tools to disseminate the transforming role of culture among those who influence the decisions that affect cultural development. This selection of successful practices will serve for feedback, exchange and to promoting horizontal cooperation among Member States.

SELECTION PROCESS Practices or projects with at least one year of operation and with results that can be documented. Practices or projects developed by national or local public institutions, civil associations and foundations, private sector and international organizations. Experiences that foster the creation of cultural public policies. Practices that illustrate the relationship between culture and development in areas such as: - Economic growth - Promotion of peaceful relations in communities - Attention to vulnerable groups - Social inclusion - Urban regeneration - Dissemination of democracy

PARTICIPANTING COUNTRIES Argentina Bolivia Brazil Canada CARICOM Member States Chile Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador Guatemala Honduras Mexico Dominican Republic Saint Lucia United States Uruguay Venezuela Cultural Information Systems of the Region

SOME PRACTICES…

SOME PRACTICES…

SOME PRACTICES…

RESULTS Increase of employment opportunities and higher generation of incomes in communities with few economic development resources. Development of skills that allow the expression of creative talent, which increase self-esteem and promote social inclusion. Reduced levels of violence and more opportunities for creating family and community conditions that enhance the general quality of life. Protection of cultural heritage, whether tangible or intangible, and better exploitation of it, for the benefit of local communities.

DELIVERABLES Hard copy Digital Spanish English French cd www.oas.org www.desarrolloycultura.net

NEXT STEPS Highlight the benefits that can be derived from creating synergies between culture and other sectors. Create a bank of successful practices of the Americas, aimed at facilitating exchange of experiences and knowledge. Promote horizontal cooperation between Member States on topics identified as priorities.

For further information: Thank you very much! For further information: cultura@oas.org