Argentina dissolves Coro Nacional de Niños via decree

The Argentine government has officially dissolved the Coro Nacional de Niños, a cultural institution established in 1967, via Decree 687/2026. The decision, signed by President Javier Milei and Chief of Staff Diego Santilli, replaces the stable state organism with a new initiative called the “Programa de Formación Artística” (Artistic Training Program).

Under Resolution 806/2026, the new program will operate under the Secretariat of Culture and focus on two initial projects: “Práctica y Desarrollo Artístico en Canto Coral” (Choral Singing Practice and Development) and “Práctica y Desarrollo Artístico en Danzas” (Dance Practice and Development). The program is intended for children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 across Argentina.

Government officials justified the dissolution as a measure for administrative efficiency and resource optimization. Chief of Staff Diego Santilli stated that under new labor legislation, minors cannot receive payments from the State, despite claims that participants received stipends or scholarships rather than salaries.

The new program is strictly formative in nature and will not constitute stable ensembles within the National Public Administration. Furthermore, participation will not grant official academic titles or certifications, nor will it establish any labor, contractual, or public employment relationship between the participants and the state.