Peruvian Art Universities Protest Budget Cuts, Announce Mobilization

Art students in Peru are mobilizing against significant budget cuts that threaten the future of their institutions. Universities of art have announced protests, rallying under the banner "Dignified Education!" against a recent decree by the Ministry of Education.

The Ministry of Education, through Ministerial Resolution No. 450-2026-MINEDU, has authorized the transfer of S/ 254 million from its budget. Of this amount, over S/ 10.7 million has been allocated to reduce funding for six public institutions dedicated to artistic training.

The National School of Fine Arts and the National Autonomous School of Fine Arts are facing the most severe impact, with a combined cut of S/ 5.4 million. This represents a staggering 50.7% reduction of their combined modified institutional budget for 2026. The National Folklore School José María Arguedas and its university also face a cut of S/ 2.18 million, or 17.8% of their budget.

Students argue that these reductions contradict the goals of Law No. 32732, which aimed to close gaps and ensure the continuity of state services. They are demanding that the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Economy and Finance reverse these cuts and guarantee consistent financial support for higher art education, warning that the reductions could disrupt academic and administrative activities.