Brazil Advances Aldir Blanc Cultural Policy with New Funding and Leadership

The 2026 Cycle II implementation of Brazil's Aldir Blanc National Cultural Promotion Policy is accelerating with significant financial allocations and political advocacy. The government of Pernambuco launched three funding calls totaling R$ 12.6 million to strengthen cultural production. These calls—focused on education, modernization of museums and libraries, and acquisition of cultural goods—aim to expand access and support 480 projects across artistic categories such as audiovisual, music, and traditional cultures. Secretary of Culture Cacau de Paula emphasized the commitment to bringing culture to more territories and vulnerable areas.

Meanwhile, the municipality of Poços de Caldas has received approximately R$ 1.2 million under the same policy cycle. These funds will back cultural grants, spaces, and the Cultura Viva Policy, supporting diverse activities including public calls, courses, and scholarships. Municipal Secretary of Culture Nando Gonçalves encouraged cultural agents to prepare proposals for upcoming grants, which will be managed by a committee with municipal and civil society representatives.

In the political arena, Carol Dartora was elected president of the Chamber of Deputies’ Culture Commission. Dartora advocates for culture as a right and for sustained, decentralized public funding, highlighting the policy's role in promoting jobs and dignity. She praised the Aldir Blanc Policy and similar laws as vital to democratizing resources and addressing historic inequalities in the cultural sector.

This combined effort underscores Brazil’s renewed focus on embedding culture as a central, supported element of public policy, ensuring financial backing and recognition for cultural workers nationwide.