Artes mecánicas, "educación especial" e indiferencia social. La instauración de la instrucción pública de las artes y oficios en Venezuela (1826-1936)

Abstract

This article describes the efforts carried out by the Venezuelan government between 1826 and 1936 in order to establish the formal education of artisans under the model of «school of arts and crafts». To this aim a documental review of laws, government decrees and ministerial memoirs was undertaken and contrasted with secondary sources to outline the trajectory of the first governmental school on this subject in this country. The article ends unveiling the four main obstacles faced by the Venezuelan State in its adventure to stimulate and improve the practice of “Mechanical Arts” in contexts unable to assimilate their benefits.