Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies Approves National Policy to Integrate Culture in Public Schools

The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies has approved the 'Mais Cultura nas Escolas' (More Culture in Schools) law project, aimed at integrating cultural activities into public education through a partnership involving the federal government, states, municipalities, and civil society. Authored by Deputy Jandira Feghali (PCdoB-RJ) and passed in the form of a substitute proposed by Deputy Tarcísio Motta (Psol-RJ), the legislation mandates that each public school develop an annual Cultural Activity Plan outlining artistic and cultural actions aligned with curricular goals and integral education.

The federal government will provide operational support, including guidance and resources to help schools select, execute, and monitor these cultural plans. Eleven thematic axes are included, such as artist residencies, museum visits, reading projects, audiovisual activities, and promotion of Afro-Brazilian culture. The project strives to enhance artistic expression, recognize Brazil’s cultural diversity, and strengthen the constitutional right to access culture within education.

Tarcísio Motta emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating it "reinforces the objectives of the National Education Plan and enhances students' creativity, sensitivity, and critical thinking." He also noted the law’s role in fostering connections between schools and cultural communities, thus promoting social inclusion.

While the proposal received broad political support, parties Novo and Missão opposed it, with some legislators cautioning against potential ideological bias and concerns that a singular cultural narrative might be imposed. The law now awaits review by the Senate and is set to reshape cultural engagement throughout Brazil’s public school system.