Brazilian artists support Lula reelection while demanding cultural reforms

A group of over 100 artists, intellectuals, and producers has released a manifesto titled “A cultura está com Lula e pede mudanças” (Culture is with Lula and asks for changes) in support of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s reelection. While the group supports the continuity of his government and the re-establishment of the Ministry of Culture, they are calling for a new management cycle to achieve better results.

The manifesto advocates for more strategic use of funds and consistent policies for key institutions, including the National Cinema Agency (Ancine), the National Arts Foundation (Funarte), and the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (Iphan). The signatories argue that culture should be integrated into national economic and reindustrialization strategies to boost audiences in cinema, music, and theater.

Additionally, the group criticizes the allocation of cultural resources through parliamentary amendments and calls for measures to address challenges posed by streaming platforms, betting houses, and large technology companies. The movement, also known as “Bora Lula,” has seen widespread support from prominent figures such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, Maria Bethânia, and Chico Buarque through social media, public performances, and street demonstrations.