João Pessoa’s Funjope drives São João Multicultural opening, PNAB grant awards and symphony concert

The municipal cultural foundation Funjope and the city of João Pessoa opened the São João Multicultural festival on Friday night (5) at the Conventinho in the historic centre. The inaugural show featured local forró artists Lily Sanfoneira and the band Os Gonzagas. Mayor Leo Bezerra and Funjope executive director Marcus Alves highlighted the aim of decentralising the June festivities and bringing cultural activities to historic public spaces.

Funjope also announced the final results of the João Balula prize and Cultural Scholarships under the National Aldir Blanc Policy (PNAB), allocating a total of R$ 975 000. The João Balula award grants R$ 525 000 to 35 Black cultural agents from peripheral or traditional communities, while the scholarship program provides R$ 450 000 to 22 cultural projects. The releases stress inclusion of Black artists and the municipality’s commitment to the PNAB.

On the same day Funjope hosted the IV official concert of the Municipal Symphony Orchestra at the Centro Cultural São Francisco, honoring archetier Pedro Lima. The programme included Claude Debussy’s Prélude à l’Après‑midi d’un faune and Mozart’s Symphony No. 36, performed under conductor Nilson Galvão. The event showcases the city’s ongoing support for high‑quality classical music.