The Centro Histórico Cultural Santa Casa in Porto Alegre has broadened its public calls for proposals to include performing arts, music and visual arts, while also widening its scheme that incentivises new productions. The move marks a deliberate strengthening of a funding policy the centre has developed since its launch, with the aim of widening access, professionalising local practice and enhancing the city’s cultural calendar.
CHC Santa Casa cultural funding and selection process
The centre’s calls have become a fixed feature of Porto Alegre’s cultural calendar. Unlike models that rely solely on internal curation, the CHC Santa Casa selects projects through independent evaluation panels and guarantees financial compensation to chosen artists. Selected groups receive a fee for performances or exhibitions and keep the full box office revenue, a measure managers say helps sustain productions and professionalise the sector.
Since opening, the CHC has treated its calls as a core element of its relationship with artists, producers and collectives. Management describes the process as an ongoing dialogue with the artistic community, using public calls as instruments of listening and exchange. Over time the format has evolved alongside the centre, which now hosts medium and large scale events and participates in major festivals and premieres across the capital.
In its third consecutive year, the incentive scheme for new productions represents a shift in how the CHC engages with creation. Rather than hosting only finished shows, the centre now supports the development of new works, becoming an active partner in the creative process. Staff say this support allows companies to take creative risks and invest in original projects, strengthening the local scene.
In 2025 the CHC’s calls selected 16 projects across theatre, visual arts and music. New works such as Colapso and Destruição da Cidade de Porto Alegre by Cia Espaço em Branco, and De Gelo by Eduardo Severino Cia de Dança, drew attention for their contemporary approaches and later toured to other venues. The visual arts exhibition Gema, featuring only women artists, broadened discussion of representation and diversity. Music projects including Quarta Dimensão and Etérea reached diverse audiences and enriched the centre’s programme.
Management reports that projects supported by the calls have gained recognition beyond the CHC. Contemplated productions have accumulated nominations and awards such as the Prêmio Açorianos de Artes Cênicas and the Quero-Quero prize. Organisers cite this recognition as proof of the quality of selected projects and of the impact of their funding policy.
The CHC emphasises that, while it is a private cultural centre, its selection procedures do not favour particular groups or private interests. Transparent and democratic criteria aim to ensure aesthetic diversity and a plurality of voices. The centre positions its work as part of Santa Casa’s institutional mission to invest in culture, heritage and community wellbeing.
Looking ahead to the 2026 cycle, the centre has increased the number of music projects from four to six and adjusted fee levels to reflect the real costs of production. Application deadlines vary by area. Proposals for theatre and music are due by 6 January. Submissions for the incentive scheme for new productions close on 12 January and entries for visual arts are accepted until 19 January. Application forms are available via the CHC Santa Casa’s official channels and social media.
Funding for the centre’s calls comes through the Federal Rouanet Law, with sponsorship from companies including Aché, Agrogen, Dorf Ketal, Grendene and Stihl. The project is produced by CHC Santa Casa in partnership with Liga Produção Cultural and the Ministry of Culture.
Key Takeaways:
- CHC Santa Casa cultural funding expands calls for performing arts, music and visual arts, plus a scheme for new productions.
- Selected projects receive fees and retain full box office revenue, improving financial sustainability for artists.
- 2025 saw 16 projects selected, with award nominations and touring beyond the centre, showing growing recognition.
- Applications are open until January with updated fees and more music slots to support local creators.
