Objects and principles

The objects for which the Institute is established and the principles which shall guide its work are as follows– (a) to encourage creativity by promoting full freedom of expression within the law; (b) to foster cross-cultural understanding and mutual respect, given Belize’s multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-lingual nature; (c) to apply the principle of decentralization in order to ensure that the several districts of Belize are beneficiaries of and contributors to cultural policies and programmes; (d) to promote the effective integration of culture and the arts as curricular subjects in primary and secondary schools; (e) to ensure the greatest possible participation of civil society in the making and execution of policies and programmes, particularly from cultural workers, artists and organized groups; (f) to ensure the participation of youth and the proper handling of gender issues; National Institute of Culture 10 and History (g) to take full advantage of the latest technological advances, particularly in ensuring that the mass media contribute effectively to cultural development; (h) to ensure that cultural promotions stress the values of national and regional community while locating Belizean culture as part of universal culture and insisting on striving for excellence and a strong ethical foundation; (i) to so conduct international relations and exchanges as to safeguard and enhance national sovereignty and dignity; and (j) to allow free and democratic access to information within the framework of the law.