Background and Relevance of Joel Omar Vázquez
Joel Omar Vázquez Herrera, an accomplished anthropologist, has been appointed as the new director general of Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). His predecessor, Diego Prieto Hernández, will now lead the newly established Unit for Living Cultures, Intangible Heritage, and Interculturality (UCVPII).
Government Reorganization and New Appointments
The federal Secretary of Culture, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, announced on Wednesday morning that, following an agreement by Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, Diego Prieto Hernández was named the head of UCVPII, while Joel Omar Vázquez Herrera assumed the role of INAH’s new director general.
Prieto Hernández’s New Role
After nine years at the helm of INAH, Diego Prieto Hernández resigned as director to take on this newly created position. The UCVPII aims to connect government agencies dedicated to preserving and caring for both tangible and intangible heritage, ensuring the representation of indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities’ expressions.
UCVPII’s Responsibilities
The UCVPII will have two main areas of action: the Technical and Research Direction of Popular Cultures, and the General Territorial Action and Community Work Directorate. It will also coordinate functions of the National Institute of Indigenous Languages (INALI), the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (INPI), the National Fund for the Promotion of Crafts (FONART), and relevant aspects from the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL).
Vázquez Herrera’s Vision for INAH
Joel Omar Vázquez Herrera, who previously served as the national coordinator for INAH centers across Mexico’s 32 states, took charge of the director general position and pledged to maintain his predecessor’s vision.
Commitment to INAH Workforce
Vázquez Herrera emphasized his commitment to understanding the needs of INAH’s workers, including administrative, technical, and manual staff, as well as researchers from various disciplines. He also acknowledged the importance of eventual workers responsible for security and cleaning, stating they are integral to INAH’s success.
Vázquez Herrera’s Initial Goals
One of Vázquez Herrera’s first objectives is to develop a national program for community museums. He stressed his determination to ensure that INAH remains accessible and connected to the people, saying, “No more a distant and closed-door INAH.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Joel Omar Vázquez Herrera? An anthropologist with extensive experience, now serving as the director general of INAH.
- What is the newly established UCVPII? A government unit created to connect agencies preserving tangible and intangible heritage, ensuring indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities’ representation.
- What are the main areas of action for UCVPII? The Technical and Research Direction of Popular Cultures, and the General Territorial Action and Community Work Directorate.
- What are Vázquez Herrera’s initial goals for INAH? Develop a national program for community museums and ensure INAH remains accessible and connected to the people.
