Artists and journalists from Sancti Spíritus strengthen alliances to foster creativity

There is no room for dissenting views on the fact that journalism is a creative art. This was demonstrated during the first meeting held in Sancti Spíritus between the executive committee of the Provincial Chapter of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC) and the local branch of the Union of Journalists (UPEC), as well as members of both organizations.

“Journalism begins to be art when you, as a journalist, must become an artist in order to reflect and interpret the reality in which you live,” said Elsa Ramos Ramírez, adding: “What do writers do? What do painters do? They interpret that reality and then reflect it using all their talent, professionalism, and competence. And what is journalism?

“In the arts—in artistic expressions—you can take creative liberties; everyone interprets things in their own way. But a journalist becomes an artist when they have to translate a reality that everyone sees differently, while having to position themselves at the precise midpoint where objectivity lies.”

A recurring theme in the discussion was that timely, high-quality, and assertive journalism needs to resonate with audiences—a legacy stemming from José Martí and other prominent figures who remain key reference points in the cultural sphere today.

The event also provided an opportunity to reflect on the work of Manuel Echeverría Gómez, a journalist to whom the culture of Sancti Spíritus owes a portion of its history.

“The Sancti Spíritus branches of UPEC and UNEAC represent the province’s core strength when it comes to fueling news coverage and populating the broadcast schedule with programs of high artistic and aesthetic caliber,” observed Jairo Alberto Pacheco.

“A distinctive trait of UNEAC and UPEC members in this province is that they often work across multiple media outlets simultaneously. I believe there is an opportunity for us to collaborate there. You see, on the artistic side, we do a lot of dreaming. In the journalism profession, however, it is not just about dreaming—it is about making things happen. And that is something we at UNEAC really need.”

This exchange between UNEAC and UPEC in Sancti Spíritus was one of the events marking the upcoming 65th anniversary—on August 22—of the organization that brings together Cuba’s artistic vanguard.