Algeria’s Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, has emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive strategy to navigate the evolving landscape of culture in the face of global change. Speaking at a recent evaluation meeting with regional directors and affiliated institutions at the Mufdi Zakaria Cultural Palace in Algiers, the Minister highlighted the rapid transformation driven by the digital realm.
Bendouda specifically referenced the recent visit of American YouTuber, IShowSpeed, as an indicator of how rapidly the world is changing. She stressed that these shifts require a proactive and innovative approach.
“The world is constantly moving towards increasing dominance of virtual spaces and artificial intelligence,” Bendouda stated. “We cannot engage in these changes without a smart and creative understanding of these extraordinary scientific, technological, and cultural leaps.”
The Minister acknowledged the existing cultural infrastructure, including libraries, theaters, cultural palaces, music institutes, and heritage restoration efforts. However, she noted that cultural activities often remain confined to routine events, lacking the spirit of initiative, innovation, and creativity.
Bendouda explained that her assessment of the current state of the culture and arts sector stems from a thorough examination and in-depth analysis of the situation, including institutional performance and relevant statistics. She believes a new approach is necessary to learn from past experiences and redefine the cultural project.
The Minister emphasized that cultural activity is not merely entertainment but a fundamental building block for human development, fostering awareness, intelligence, and the capacity for innovation. This requires a renewed focus on engaging with the digital space and understanding its impact on cultural values and expression.
