2. Current cultural affairs
Portugal
Last update: June, 2011
Since the implementation of the Ministry of Culture (1995), some general cultural policy priorities have been sustained over the years, concentrating mainly in the protection of heritage, promotion of reading and development of national networks of activities and facilities. From 2009, strategic importance has also been attributed to issues such as language policy (in the context of the Portuguese Speaking Countries Community), creative and cultural industries and international promotion of Portuguese artists and cultural institutions.
On the other hand, cultural policy has been largely constrained by budget limitations, which were already taking place before the 2008 global financial crisis, but became much more evident since (see chapter 7). Nevertheless, in the past three years some sectorial programmes have been launched which are worth mentioning. In 2009, the Classified Heritage Restoration Programme targeted a particular form of patronage involving major infrastructure construction companies in major monument restoration projects. In 2010 a Strategic Plan for State Museums was launched and new guide-lines were established (for more information see chapter 3.1). In 2011 the Fund for the International Promotion of Portuguese Culture was formed as a programme within the Ministry of Culture to support financially the international activities promoted by the Ministry. Although this fund, which gathers revenue from a specific lottery tax stipulation, has no formal connection with Camões Institute plans. It is expected to operate within the agreement established between the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture (see also chapter 1.4.1). At the same time, the Portugal Music Export agency was set up, with the Ministry of Culture and professional associations from the sector among its partners. Also in 2011, following the last two decades of public investment in performing arts infrastructures, a National Network of Theatres was announced, similar to those already existing for public libraries and museums.
This information will be published as soon as possible.
This information will be published as soon as possible.
Last update: June, 2011
Several projects have now been concluded in cultural sphere:
- A web-site promoted by the Ministry of Culture for developing a network for cultural facilities and activities, as well as providing a broader base of support for production and access to Portuguese art and literature in multimedia formats (http://www.culturaonline.pt/).
- The Knowledge Network in Public Libraries that includes widespread free broadband access to the Internet in public libraries, as well as a web portal with access to all the resources, technical information and catalogues of those libraries (http://rcbp.dglb.pt/);
- Virtual Office - the on-line platform of Arts Territory Programme (see chapter 1.3.3) with information about the structures (artistic entities and local authorities as cultural promoters), the artistic productions and the cultural venues registered / participants. This platform enables the programme management as well as the schedule of the actions (http://www.territorioartes.pt/);
- National Digital Library - internet interface providing public access to online digitalisation service using information indicated in the catalogue of the National Library (BNP) for the digitalisation of specific items from its collections (material already in the public domain);
- MATRIZNET - an internet interface providing public access to Matriz - Inventory and Collections Management of National Museums and Palaces. This resource was conceived in order to enable the computerisation of museum inventories, the digitisation of museum collections, as well as the management of the circulation of museum pieces (http://www.matriznet.imc-ip.pt/).
- Creation of a Digital Cinema Network (Rede Cine): connecting screen cinemas to a central system which supplies digital copies of the films to be shown. This makes it possible to bring cinema to culturally less well-endowed environments and enables any theatre to connect to the system.; and
- Development of IGESPAR Information System based on the integration of information of former institutes (IPPAR and IPA). This includes new technological features and production of content regarding monuments and archaeological sites.
In recent years, indicators regarding PC ownership and Internet connections have seen an impressive growth, reaching 56% and 48% in 2009 (Table 2). In four years broadband internet access grew from 20% to 46% (2009).
Table 2: Computer ownership, internet connection and broadband internet access by household, in %, 2000-2009
| 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer ownership | 22 | 24 | 27 | 38 | 41 | 43 | 45 | 48 | 50 | 56 |
| Internet connection | 9 | 13 | 15 | 22 | 26 | 32 | 35 | 40 | 46 | 48 |
| Broadband internet access | 8 | 12 | 20 | 24 | 30 | 39 | 46 |
Source: INE, Inquérito à Utilização de Tecnologias da Informação e da Comunicação nas Famílias.
Last update: June, 2011
The High Commission for Immigration and Intercultural Dialogue (ACIDI), in addition to its own initiatives in the field of intercultural dialogue, is a member of the Roma EDEM project, whose aims are to reduce the disparity between anti-discrimination legislation and institutional practice, including issues relating to Gypsies and Travellers on the European political agenda. Coordination of this project is provided by the Fundación Secretariado General Gitano (see http://www.ciga-nos.pt/).
On the issue of specific support for international youth mobility, the Portuguese Youth Institute (Instituto Português da Juventude - IPJ) is in charge of the Youth in Action programme in Portugal (Juventude em Acção). This is a European Union programme which encourages mobility among young people between the ages of 15 and 28 both within and outside European borders, informal education, intercultural dialogue and the inclusion of all young people, regardless of their educational, social or cultural origins.
Intercultural dialogue: actors, strategies, programmes
Some government bodies are strengthening their efforts to better respond to the needs of the immigrant population, e.g. the new High Commission for Immigration and Intercultural Dialogue (ACIDI), a public institute under the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (in 2007, ACIDI replaced the High Commission for Immigration and Ethnic Minorities - ACIME -, which was established in 1996).
The High Commission main attribution consists in the promotion of intercultural dialogue. Important axis designed to address this aim: to implement the study of ethnic minorities integration in order to inform operative government policies; to include in the High Commission social bodies, delegates chosen by the associations or federations of the different immigrants communities; to promote interdepartmental action across the public administration system, central and local (see the attached cases of Good Practice on Intercultural Dialogue).
Programmes for the use of audiovisual, particularly TV weekly magazines, are broadcasted by a national TV channel to facilitate intercultural dialogue. They are co-produced mainly by the High Commission and some associations that work for equality and against racial discrimination.
In the context of bilateral cultural agreements signed between Portugal and other countries in order to establish cultural cooperation programmes, Portugal carries out the so-called "Mixed Commissions". In recent years (1996/2003), these Commissions have been conducted with 15 European Countries.
ACIDI was the Portuguese body responsible for preparing the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008.
Additional Resource:
Government's overall approach to intercultural dialogue
Last update: June, 2011
Intercultural education programmes have been promoted in Portugal to make students aware of the importance of other cultures and of the dialogue with them.
Some examples:
The Mus-e Project: this is a multi-cultural educational project, international in scope, developed in a disadvantaged social environment, by the Portugal Menuhin Association (supported by the Ministry of Education). Its objectives are artistic, educational and social. It was first implemented in Portugal in the 1996-1997 school years and covers a very small number of state primary schools.
The European "All Different, All the Same" campaign was promoted by the Ministry of Education in 2006 and 2007. Its focus was on school sports activities, on increasing awareness in the school environment by means of the Living Human Rights project, publishing and distributing books and leaflets, and activities related to human rights, participation and diversity - exhibitions, meetings, debates, theatrical shows, music, dance, etc. Meetings with teachers and others were arranged on Children's Day to identify good practice in connection with integrating pupils from the gypsy community - the "Build Bridges, Talk About Us" project.
In connection with the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All, in 2007 a competition was held under the banner "My School Against Discrimination".
The Ministry of Education provides specialist language learning support to those whose mother-tongue is not Portuguese (with the possibility of providing tutors and involvement in specific projects).
Last update: June, 2011
Recent agreements and forms of association are taking place between the various actors in the field including film producers, television stations and distributors. The main goal of theses agreements is to ensure both diversity and viability of productions.
RTP, the state TV channel, offers public TV and radio channels for the international and African Portuguese-speaking community (RTP-I was set up in 1992). In addition, there are two general interest private terrestrial channels. The licence for the fifth terrestrial channel is now in legal dispute. The new Digital Terrestrial System (to which existing channels will migrate) is due to be fully implemented in 2012.
The Television Law (Law 27/2007) stipulates that at least 50% of the air time must be allocated to broadcast Portuguese language programmes and at least 20% for creative works in Portuguese - in both cases, non-Portuguese lusophone productions must not exceed 25% of air time. Thereafter, preference should be given to European productions, with at least 10% allocated to recent productions (of less than 5 years old) by independent European producers. Broadcasters are required to submit, to the Regulatory Authority (ERC - Entidade Reguladora da Comunicação Social), all the information required to monitor compliance with these obligations.
The Radio Law (Law 4/2001, as amended by Law 7/2006) commits broadcasters to an annual minimum quota for the dissemination of Portuguese music. This minimum quota varies annually from 25 and 40% of musical programming on each channel. However, it is stipulated that at least 60% of that quota must be fulfilled with music composed / sung in the Portuguese Language by citizens of the EU; and at least 35% of the same quota must be fulfilled with music produced in the last 12 months. The Regulatory Authority (ERC - Entidade Reguladora da Comunicação Social) is responsible for monitoring and controlling this law enforcement.
Last update: June, 2011
Portuguese is the only official language in Portugal; it is spoken today by around 240 million people around the world.
Further expanding the use of the Portuguese language is a priority for Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and the Portuguese government. The International Portuguese Language Institute has been set up (2002) within the CPLP.
InNovember 2008, the government approved a Strategy for Recognition and Promotion of the Portuguese Language (Council of Ministers Resolution n. 188/2008) recognising the importance of the cultural, geo-strategic and economic value of the Portuguese language. It also recognises the fundamental role of the Portuguese Language in education and training in the scope of development cooperation. A special fund was allocated to this Strategy - The Portuguese Language Fund, with an initial allocation of EUR 30 million. An Inter-ministerial Commission representing five ministries (Foreign Affairs; Education; Culture; Science, Technology and Higher Education; Parliamentary Affairs) was created to monitor the developments made and to approve projects in this area (see also chapter 1.1).
Last update: June, 2011
The Third National Plan for Citizenship and Gender Equality was launched in 2007 and will run until 2010. The Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality coordinates the implementation of this Plan in articulation with several government sectors. Regarding the culture sector, a working group formed by several members of MC bodies was created under the leadership of GPEARI.
In the cultural sector, the following objectives were outlined for 2008:
- to ensure that equilibrium is maintained in awarding scholarships and grants, favouring the under-represented gender;
- to ensure that criteria for awarding prizes in the cultural arena reflect a balance between genders;
- to include the gender perspective in training cultural agents;
- to use the state TV channel to promote the visibility of women's contributions in various areas of life, in particular Culture, History, Economics, Science and Politics;
- to generate awareness of the need for equitable representation of men and women in public collections; and
- to give added value to written work and creative and cultural production which respects the human rights of men and women.
This information will be published as soon as possible.
Last update: June, 2011
The High Commission for Immigration and Ethnic Minorities (ACIME) was set up in 1996 (see chapter 4.1.1).
In recent decades, the number of foreigners living in Portugal has grown substantially: between 2000 and 2008, the number of foreigners holding legal resident permits in Portugal more than doubled, from 207 587 to 436 020, according to data from the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF). The largest proportion of residence permits issued in 2005 - 46%, according to the SEF, was given to African citizens, in particular those from the countries having Portuguese as their official language (PALP), while, in recent years, there has been exponential growth in the numbers of East European immigrants (having on average higher educational attainment levels than others, but likewise working in less-skilled occupations) and those from Brazil.
Recent changes to the Nationality Law (Organic Law 2/2006, regulated by Decree-Law 237-A/2006) and the Immigration Law (Law 23/2007) have allowed for Portuguese nationality to be granted directly to the third generation and have simplified the legal requirements for the second generation, in addition to granting all legal immigrants uniform legal status and helping to combat traffic in human beings and illegal immigration. Following these measures, inter-ministerial strategies were approved, such as the National Inclusiveness Action Plan, which targets more than just immigrant and ethnic minorities, and the Immigrant Integration Project (Council of Ministers Resolution 63-A/2007). Family reunification, employment and occupational training, help with learning Portuguese in schools, and extending information networks and support mechanisms are some of the priority areas in these projects.
Several other programmes are currently in operation to integrate cultural minorities, mostly of gypsy origin - it is estimated that there are some 50 000 Portuguese gypsies - and immigrants, by working directly with these population groups; developing a network of support offices of various types; helping them to obtain training and find jobs; and also by deconstructing the prejudices and stereotypes associated with them; using the media; initiatives in schools; youth exchanges, etc.; and encouraging scientific research, supported or coordinated by the new High Commission for Immigration and Intercultural Dialogue - ACIDI - that replaced in 2007 the former ACIME (see also chapter 2.5.1).
Last update: June, 2011
Social cohesion is not a specific issue of cultural policies in Portugal. The National Plan for Growth and Employment outlines the priorities for the next years but cultural policies are usually out of the agendas for qualification, employment and social cohesion.
This information will be published as soon as possible.
Information is currently not available.