National Awards announced amid controversy over lifetime pensions

Argentina's Ministry of Culture has announced the latest edition of the National Awards for Artistic, Scientific, and Literary Production, covering the period from 2020 to 2023. The awards span categories including Children's Literature, Musical Theater, Philosophical Essay, Pedagogical Essay, Jazz, and Melodic Music. A total of 31 million pesos will be distributed as prizes, with an additional nine million pesos allocated for the jury members, who are yet to be appointed. These national awards have been presented by law since 1914.

Works published, disseminated, or premiered between 2020 and 2023 are eligible for submission. The application period remains open until August 31. Interested parties must complete a form on the Federal Culture Registry via the "Open Calls" button. Inquiries regarding registration can be directed to consultas.rfc@cultura.gob.ar, and questions about the award bases should be sent to premios.nacionales@cultura.gob.ar. The jury in each specialty can award up to three prizes and three special mentions. However, the prize amounts are notably modest: first prize winners will receive 3 million pesos, second prize winners 2 million pesos, and third prize winners 1.2 million pesos, all accompanied by a diploma of honor. Special mentions will also receive diplomas.

A significant controversy has emerged, however, as various artist groups, including the Union of Writers and Writers (UEE), the Argentine Society of Writers, and the Argentine Musicians' Union, have publicly denounced the government. They claim that the provision for a monthly lifetime pension for first-prize winners, starting at age 60, has been eliminated. These pensions were previously equivalent to five minimum retirement benefits.

Sources within the Ministry of Culture have refuted these claims, calling the statement "a lie." They assert that lifetime pensions for first-prize winners, established by Law 16.516 (sanctioned in 1964), remain in effect. Despite this, the ministry acknowledged that information regarding these pensions is not included in the current award bases or official communications. The ministry stated that Law 16.516 is still active and allows first-prize winners to apply for the pension through ANSES (the national social security administration) after turning 60. The Ministry of Culture's role is to issue a certificate for the winner to present to ANSES.