É de tal? Para democratizar o fomento à cultura: possibilidades e desafios a partir dos editais municipais das capitais brasileiras (2013 - 2018)

Abstract

This research investigates challenges and possibilities for democratizing cultural promotion through calls for proposals published by municipal administrations in Brazilian capitals between 2013 and 2018. With the increasing importance of federative decentralization for cultural funding policies in the country, direct implementation by municipalities has become more relevant. Thus, we seek to explore municipal promotion experiences and their potential for experimenting with democratic innovations. This research focuses on municipal promotion experiences and their potential for democratic innovation, taking stock of how public calls for cultural project proposals produced new, more institutionalized management models in local governments. Of special concern is to understand how to democratize access to cultural promotion for traditionally excluded groups and territories. A central question posed is: what strategies do municipal cultural administrations use to democratize cultural funding in their calls for proposals? In our analysis, therefore, we identified different strategies undertaken, paying attention to the challenges and possibilities they present. Analysis of 742 funding calls on local government websites found different strategies, with different challenges and possibilities involving very diverse realities. We systematized these calls in a database and defined the main conceptual categories and units for analysis. Quantitative and qualitative methods used excerpts from the official texts of the calls to clarify: the funding modalities used; the objects to which the calls are directed; the selection dynamics they establish; and the democratization strategies undertaken. Results revealed trends, recurrences, and absences. The diversity of cultural actions targeted by the calls and the variety of funding arrangements they establish appear positive. However, resource distribution remains concentrated which appears to reproduce patterns of social exclusion and reinforce barriers to access. Moreover, the potential for democratic experimentation seems to be limited by bureaucratic and neoliberal rationalities that impede democratization and greater diversity. Despite being low in number and diffused across the municipal governments of state capitals, successful democratization strategies nonetheless indicate novel and viable ways to democratize, presenting important references for opening paths for greater engagement of cultural policies in the contexts of inequalities and differences.