Abstract:
This study analyzes the admissions processes at the Federal University of Bahia
(UFBA), with a focus on the courses of Fine Arts, Theatre, and Music programs, in
order to examine the effectiveness of affirmative action policies in promoting social
inclusion and cultural diversity. The research is grounded in a historical and normative
context that addresses the structural inequalities that permeate access to Brazilian
higher education, particularly in arts courses. Based on the analysis of admission lists
and entry modalities of access over the last five years, it was found that the adoption
of the Unified Selection System (SiSU) marked a step forward in democratization, while
the continuation of Specific Skills Tests (SST) has perpetuated the dynamics of
exclusion. The results show that in the courses that adhered to the SiSU, there was a
significant increase in the number of candidates admitted through affirmative action
policies, with a more equitable distribution between general admission and quota
admission. Conversely, the programs that retained the SST showed a higher
concentration of enrollment through general admission, due to the demand of technical
and theoretical skills that often require prior training inaccessible to candidates from
marginalized backgrounds. In addition, the study highlights the impact of gaps in arts
education at the undergraduate level, which essentially affects low-income students in
public schools and shortens their access to higher education. This analysis
underscores the need to reform selection criteria with SST, to align admissions
practices with constitutional principles of substantive equality and ensure universal and
equitable access. The research concludes that despite the progress made by
affirmative action policies, the persistence of selective admissions models reinforces
structural barriers and inequalities in arts programs. In this sense, changes are
proposed to ensure that artistic training spaces also embrace inclusion and social
justice in contributing to the transformation of the social and cultural profile of Brazilian
public universities.
