The present article explores processes of State formation and government cultural policies in Córdoba (Argentina) during the first half of the 21st century. Analyzing the cerimonies that attend the inauguration of art exhibits - vernissages - we discuss the performative dimensions of State practices that, in the name of culture, “make the State” through highly esteticized forms which appeal to the senses. In these performances, the State is materialized in two ways. The “magic of the State” occurs when interdependent relationships between agents appears and is institutionalized and also when na attractive image materializes that destined to reinforce this distinction as a resource for the production of hegemony.
Performance; Performativity; Esthetics; State; Cultural policy