Valparaíso’s Parque Cultural in Crisis: Fear, Firings, and a Mon Laferte Controversy
Tension hangs heavy in the halls of Valparaíso’s Parque Cultural, as workers express fear of reprisal for speaking out about the situation inside the cultural center. They describe a climate of uncertainty and apprehension.
The unease follows the controversial dismissal of Alonso Yáñez, former Head of Programming, which sparked a letter of protest signed by over 600 visual artists in February. The artists denounced Yáñez’s “unjust dismissal,” suggesting it stemmed from his defense of agreements with artists scheduled to exhibit at the PCdV.
The letter alleges that “figures of spectacle,” like Mon Laferte, were prioritized, disrupting pre-existing exhibition schedules and shortening display times for other artists. One visual artist, Cristian Velasco, stated his exhibition was reduced from a month and a half to just two weeks.
Beyond the Mon Laferte controversy, Yáñez’s case is part of a larger pattern. The union reports that nine contract workers were dismissed in November 2023, followed by seven unionized employees with indefinite contracts in March 2024. The union describes the situation as “quite difficult on a human and personal level.”
The union believes Yáñez’s opposition to extending Mon Laferte’s exhibition was a pretext for his dismissal. Gianina Figueroa, president of the PCdV’s board, acknowledges the “difficult decisions” made during a “crisis and adjustment” period. She defends the institution’s actions and states that any disputes can be resolved through legal channels. Figueroa maintains that the Mon Laferte exhibition was the most visited visual arts event in the Parque’s history.
Currently, the Parque Cultural de Valparaíso faces seven pending lawsuits for unfair dismissal, in addition to five previously concluded cases. A complaint has also been filed under the “Ley Karin” (workplace harassment law), according to the union.
One lawsuit alleges an employee was fired for sharing an Instagram story critical of a government official. Other legal actions cite rights violations and anti-union practices. Court hearings are scheduled for April and May, with Gianina Figueroa and former directors expected to appear as legal representatives.
The union asserts that the workers are living in constant fear of further dismissals. Gianina Figueroa responds that legal matters are being addressed in court to protect the privacy of the workers.
Union representatives, echoing concerns from other cultural center employees, cite a lack of clear leadership, an incomplete board of directors, and an ongoing economic crisis, despite claims of increased investment. They allege a lack of transparency regarding the Parque’s finances, raising questions about resource allocation.
The Parque Cultural de Valparaíso, though a private association, receives public funding. In 2025, it received 1.567 billion, a slight increase from the previous year’s 1.406 billion. Figueroa states that the Parque requires 10% of its income to come from its own activities, and that is not easy given the ongoing controversies.
The Parque’s roots trace back to the Public Jail, a site of memory due to its use as a detention center during the Pinochet dictatorship. Re-imagined as a cultural center in the early 2000s, the Parque Cultural de Valparaíso officially opened in 2011, becoming a major regional arts hub.
Adding to the instability, the position of Executive Director remains vacant. Nélida Pozo, the previous director, left in January 2023. A public competition to fill the role was launched but abruptly halted despite the selection of a final shortlist. Rocío Douglas, a cultural manager who was a finalist, publicly questioned the selection process. The union claims the board of directors is now collectively assuming the Executive Director’s responsibilities, which is not ideal as they are not present at the park. Figueroa states that the funds for the selection came from park resources.
According to the website, the board of directors is short two members. Several representatives have resigned in recent months, leaving four vacant positions awaiting appointment. The union claims that only three people are actively participating on the board, effectively running the cultural center.
Gianina Figueroa, the board’s president, faces criticism for her lack of prior experience in the cultural sector. The visual artists’ letter accuses the PCdV management of prioritizing “political and media convenience over a real commitment to art and culture.” Employees also accuse Figueroa of mistreatment, including directly ordering the dismissal of a sound technician. Figueroa denies these allegations and refuses to comment on internal board matters.
Another point of contention is the closure of the Cocina Comunitaria (community kitchen), which operated within the Parque until recently. The institution’s decision to restrict access to ticket holders effectively suspended the kitchen’s operations, sparking protests from community members who relied on the service. Figueroa says that the kitchen was unsanitary and that they invested 13 million pesos in repairs. The kitchen is waiting for certification from the health service.
As of the publication of this report, the Subsecretaría de las Artes y las Culturas has not responded to requests for comment regarding the situation at the Parque Cultural de Valparaíso. The subsecretary commented in a previous interview that the funds were transferred to the park with celerity and that the organizations have to give themselves their own structure.
Keywords: Parque Cultural de Valparaíso, Mon Laferte, despidos, crisis cultural, Gianina Figueroa, Valparaíso, Chile, cultura, arte, noticias, ex cárcel, Ley Karin, Cocina Comunitaria.
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