Petrobras launches record R$270 million cultural funding program

Petrobras announced the opening of a nationwide public selection to fund cultural projects with a record investment of R$270 million for 2026. The programme, presented at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, was led by company president Magda Chambriard, who said each real invested in culture generates an estimated R$7.50 in economic return. The selection will be financed through the federal cultural incentives laws (Rouanet and Audiovisual) and will allocate at least 15 % of the total amount – R$40.5 million – to each of Brazil’s five regions, guaranteeing a minimum of two projects in every state and the Federal District. At least 25 % of the approved projects must be carried out by, or focus on, historically under‑represented groups such as women, Black people, Indigenous peoples, quilombolas, LGBTQIAPN+ and people with disabilities. The call, which opened on 1 July, is free and will remain open until 31 July; proposals will be evaluated through November with results expected on 30 November and project implementation slated to start in May 2027. Minister of Culture Margareth Menezes, who sent a video message to the event, highlighted the importance of the incentive laws for expanding private‑public partnership in the arts.