Portugal allocates €650k for cultural merit subsidies and revises arts funding rules

The Portuguese government announced a revision of the 1982 Cultural Merit Subsidy law, aiming to improve calculation methods and consider age limits for beneficiaries. The Ministry of Culture confirmed that the Fundo de Fomento Cultural will distribute €650,000 this year to support 65 artists and authors in economic need, following an audit that identified inconsistencies in past allocations.

In parallel, the government opened a ten‑day public consultation on a new Regulation for the Arts Support Programs, introducing a “Declaration of Cultural Interest” for projects that score at least 60 % but did not receive funding, allowing them to access other public or private financing.

Municipalities across Portugal are also boosting local culture. Santa Maria da Feira will add €30 000 to its cultural support programme, Almada released a municipal culture strategy, Serpa committed over €200 000 to volunteer fire brigades and cultural activities, and Albergaria‑A‑Velha allocated €345 400 to local associations. In Brazil, the cities of Betim and Várzea Alegre launched public calls totalling R$ 300 000 to fund graffiti, muralism and other cultural projects.

These measures collectively aim to strengthen cultural creation, improve funding transparency, and expand access to resources for artists and community organisations.