In a vibrant atmosphere of participation and discussion, the PUCRS Building 40 Theater, in Porto Alegre, was the stage for the beginning of the 6th Rio Grande do Sul State Culture Conference this Thursday (25/1). This event, an initiative of Secretariat of Culture (Sedac), brought together a diverse range of members of the Gaucho cultural community, with a special focus on the development and improvement of cultural policies. This conference also serves as a preparatory stage for the state’s representation at the 4th National Culture Conference, which will take place in Brasília, from March 4th to 8th.
The conference opened with a captivating performance by singer Loma Pereira, followed by an informative video about Sedac’s achievements in 2023. Eduardo Leite, the state governor, was present at the opening, highlighting the vital importance of social inclusion in the formulation of public policies for the cultural sector. He highlighted notable initiatives, such as the RS COMunidade project, which aims to integrate culture in territories with high crime rates.
Beatriz Araujo, the person responsible for Sedac, expressed her emotion with the diversity and representation present at the event. She emphasized the significance of the conference as a crucial step towards overcoming the cultural challenges that arise and promoting inclusive and sustainable development in Rio Grande do Sul. Furthermore, Beatriz dedicated the conference to the victims of recent natural disasters in the state and praised the advances in the cultural area, such as the increase in investments in culture, the creation of the State Cultural Heritage Day and the significant expansion of the State Culture System.
Márcio Tavares, representative of the Ministry of Culture (MinC), discussed the strategic directions for the formulation of cultural policies at a national level, highlighting the importance of the next National Conference for the construction of a new National Culture Plan. Presentations by Ruben Oliveira from the State Culture System and other experts provided a broader overview of the application of resources and cultural policies in the state.
The afternoon program was enriched by a lecture by Marta Porto, a renowned international consultant on arts, culture and development policies. She emphasized the need for cultural management that prioritizes sustainable development and democracy, highlighting culture’s ability to address today’s most pressing issues. Additional discussions focused on the analysis of the existing National Culture Plan and the experiences of Medellín, Colombia, with the use of culture as an instrument to combat urban violence.
The day ended with the presentation of federal proposals, preparing participants for the following day’s critical discussions, which will include the selection of proposals and delegates for the 4th National Culture Conference. This first day of the conference clearly illustrated Rio Grande do Sul’s commitment to the advancement and sustainability of its cultural practices, highlighting the importance of collaboration and dialogue in building a culturally rich and diverse future.
List of delegates eligible to apply for national delegates
Friday schedule (26/1)
- 8h – Reception in the work rooms (6th floor of Building 40)
- 9h – Start of group work for debate in the rooms of the six thematic axes
- 12h – Lunch break
- 14h – Presentation of federal proposals listed in the six thematic axes, start of voting on national proposals and election of 42 delegates for the 4th National Culture Conference
- 5:30 p.m. – Consultation of state proposals listed in the six thematic axes
- 18h – Other deliberations (defense and voting on motions)
- 19h – Photo of the delegation (elected delegates and their substitutes) and closing