The state government of Rio de Janeiro has ignited a wave of protests from cultural agents following the launch of a tender titled 'Culture and Faith'. This initiative allocates public funds for artistic productions associated with four religious segments: Catholic expressions, evangelical practices, Afro-Brazilian religions, and other belief systems. A total of 200 projects are set to receive R$ 50,000 each, with R$ 10 million sourced from the State Cultural Fund, marking it the most significant funding among seven tenders recently announced by the state government.

Cultural agents have raised concerns about this tender, interpreting it as a breach of the state's secularism. They have initiated a petition seeking to annul the document, arguing that it undermines the principles of religious neutrality in public funding. In comparison, other tenders, such as one for sustainable fashion, have significantly lower funding caps, raising questions about the priorities of the government and how these resources are allocated. The stark contrast in funding levels has exacerbated tensions between religious and secular cultural agents.

A protest is scheduled for the 23rd of this month in downtown Rio, where cultural workers aim to draw attention to their cause and pressurize the state government to reconsider its stance on religious funding in arts. The unfolding situation puts a spotlight on the ongoing debate in Brazil regarding the intersection of religion, state, and cultural policy, as various stakeholders vie for influence and representation in the arts sector.