Mapping New Geographies of Cultural Production in Brazil through Pontos de Cultura

Value

£357,986.40

Description

In the early 2000s, Brazil pioneered efforts to democratise access to culture and encourage cultural production in geographically diverse and marginalised communities. The recognition of pre-existing cultural institutions and community centres throughout the country as Pontos de Cultura [Cultural Points] that were eligible to receive funding for activities and multimedia equipment was central to this endeavour. This research project explores how the Pontos de Cultura have become key sites for the articulation of debate around the nature and aims of culture and cultural policy in Brazil and Latin America over the last twenty years.

The project collaborates with a range of Pontos de Cultura to share key ideas, concepts and critiques emerging from the movement. Through analysis of their contributions, it explores bigger questions about the mechanics and function of cultural policies, including:

1.           The power of cultural interventions and the articulation of cultural rights to pursue societal change

2.           The place of government and cultural infrastructure in stimulating popular cultures and promoting placemaking

3.           The sustainability and endurance of government-led initiatives as the willingness of political administrations to fund culture oscillates

4.           The complexities of efforts to evaluate the impact of cultural interventions and policies, particularly over limited time frames and in ways that account for intangible outcomes

Reflecting on these questions, the research project examines synergies between the work of the Pontos de Cultura and debates in the UK around the unequal distribution of cultural opportunities and funding, as well as the potential of creative placemaking.