Brazil expands arts in schools and funds quilombola projects in Mato Grosso

The Brazilian federal education and culture ministries, together with the state government of Bahia, launched the "Arte e Cultura na Educação Integral" program. The initiative aims to integrate artistic and cultural practices into full‑time schools, initially reaching about 16,800 students in eight schools across eight municipalities in Bahia and ultimately targeting roughly 123,000 students in 604 schools nationwide. Partners include Funarte, the Secretariat of Artistic and Cultural Formation, and the ministries of Education and Culture. The program covers Afro‑Brazilian and Indigenous history, resident artists, creative writing, audiovisual activities and includes provisions for students with disabilities, with implementation planned through December 2026.

Separately, the Secretariat of State Education of Mato Grosso (Seduc‑MT) published a call for proposals allocating R$150,000 to support six quilombola‑focused pedagogical projects – four from directly quilombola schools and two from annex rooms in state schools. The grant seeks to strengthen cultural identity, social diversity, environmental education and traditional agricultural techniques. Applications were open in June, with results announced on 1 July and funding to be used until December 2026.