Celebrating 20 years of São Paulo’s VAI programme
Project: A 20-year commitment to cultural equity in São Paulo by funding art in grassroots and youth in underserved communities
In 2025, São Paulo marks the 20th anniversary of the Programa para a Valorização de Iniciativas Culturais (Valuation of Cultural Initiatives) (VAI), one of Brazil’s most influential municipal cultural policies. Created in 2005, the VAI Programme has become a cornerstone for grassroots arts development in São Paulo, funding over 3,200 cultural projects by low-income youth and collectives in peripheral areas of the city. The programme has democratized access to funding, stimulated local cultural activity, and addressed structural inequalities in São Paulo’s cultural landscape.
Investing in equity through grassroots culture
VAI offers financial support through two tracks—VAI 1 for emerging groups and VAI 2 for more experienced collectives. By focusing on small art collectives and youth in under-resourced districts, the programme strengthens cultural production where institutional support is often lacking. VAI funds projects across artistic disciplines, including music, dance, literature, theatre, and visual arts. The goal is not only to promote creative expression but also to foster a sense of identity, community, and belonging.
A key strength of the programme lies in its emphasis on equity. Around 70% of supported applicants are self-declared Black, and VAI prioritizes funding for Indigenous-led projects and gender-dissident individuals. This inclusive approach ensures that São Paulo’s cultural policies reflect the city’s racial, social, and gender diversity, while also redistributing cultural investment to areas historically excluded from public funding.
Strengthening infrastructure through community support
Over its 20 years, VAI has adapted to meet the evolving needs of the city’s cultural scene. Challenges around outreach, equity in evaluation, and administrative complexity have been addressed through expanded staffing, clearer guidance materials, and technical visits to project sites. The programme also partners with local cultural centres to improve territorial reach and increase access to municipal resources.
In 2024 and 2025, São Paulo launched VAI 20 Years, a commemorative initiative celebrating two decades of impact. The programme included showcases of past projects, artist talks, and public events that underscored VAI’s lasting legacy. These celebrations helped raise public awareness about the programme’s importance and reinforced the value of sustained cultural investment at the municipal level.
Demonstrating measurable local impact
The VAI Programme’s effectiveness is evidenced by both its scale and outcomes. Over 3,200 projects have been supported since 2005, with programming concentrated in underserved neighbourhoods across São Paulo. Annual evaluations report that 97% of funded collectives experience positive impacts in their communities, whether through increased cultural engagement, strengthened local identity, or greater youth participation in the arts.
As São Paulo looks to the next chapter in its cultural development, the VAI Programme stands as a model for inclusive, community-based cultural policy. It shows how consistent municipal support can activate creative potential, expand cultural access, and drive social change from the ground up. VAI’s 20-year legacy is a powerful reminder that cultural inclusion, when pursued intentionally and equitably, can transform cities.
