Luiz Armando Bagolin, the former director of the Mário de Andrade Library in São Paulo, has publicly accused the city's management of negligence regarding the care of cultural assets. This statement comes in the wake of significant thefts, where artworks by Henri Matisse and Candido Portinari were stolen from the library. Bagolin expressed concern about the lack of visible security presence, particularly during events when the library's holdings were being showcased, underscoring ongoing issues with public asset management in the city.

The recent incident involved the theft of eight pieces by Matisse and five by Portinari, all part of an exhibition called "From Book to Museum: MAM São Paulo and the Mário de Andrade Library," in collaboration with the Museum of Modern Art in São Paulo. The Secretary of Culture, Totó Parente, has contested Bagolin's accusations, stating that he believes there were no management failings that led to these thefts. This highlights a divide in perceptions of responsibility between former leadership and current administration in the cultural sector of São Paulo.

This situation not only raises questions about security at public cultural institutions but also reflects a broader conversation about the management and preservation of cultural heritage in Brazil. The theft of these high-profile artworks may evoke public outcry and pressure on authorities to implement stronger protections for cultural properties, ensuring they are safeguarded against future incidents. As the fallout from the thefts develops, it could lead to changes in policy or management practices at the library and potentially elsewhere in the cultural institutions in São Paulo.