For the first time in the history of our country, Brazil knows precisely – and with a methodology validated at the international level – the economic, social and territorial impact of the Rouanet law. Commissioned by the Ministry of Culture and the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI), and carried out by the FGV, the study confirms what the cultural sector has always known, but now proves with solid data: culture is a strategic force for national development.
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The investigation is unprecedented. Never before has the National Cultural Support Program been analyzed so comprehensively, with global techniques used to measure the creative economy. The results are impressive. In 2024, projects supported by the Rouanet law generated R$27.5 billion in the economy, or a return of R$7.59 for each real invested. This is not an opinion or speculation: the figures show a Brazil that creates, employs and transforms realities through culture.
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This impact goes beyond the economy. It is territorial and deeply democratic. Improvements in the management of cultural policy and the resumption of the Ministry of Culture have made it possible to confront a legitimate criticism: the regional concentration of resources. We heard this request and acted. With programs like Rouanet Norte, Rouanet Nordeste, Rouanet nas Favelas and Rouanet da Juventude, the country is experiencing a historic movement to nationalize development.
The results are concrete and now measured: for the first time in 34 years, all Brazilian states have actions financed by the Rouanet law. Historically underserved areas have made extraordinary progress. Between 2022 and 2024, the North recorded a 408% increase in investments; the Northeast, 143%; and, together, the North, North-East and Central-West regions increased from 10.26% to 16.61% of total resources. It is all of Brazil that participates, creates, circulates culture and generates opportunities.
The study also reveals a direct impact on the real economy, which involves individuals, families, small businesses and communities. According to the survey, 58.9% of actions took place totally or partially in urban and rural peripheries, vulnerable areas or traditional communities. Of the contracted suppliers, 85.5% are micro-entrepreneurs or small businesses, and 36.7% received payments of up to R$1,000. These are values that make the difference for those who live from culture. In 2024, it is estimated that the mechanism will have generated 228 thousand direct and indirect jobs.
These figures reinforce a message that Brazil had to rediscover: culture is neither an expense nor a privilege. Culture is work, development and the future. This is a sector that has around 7.5 million professionals, who constitute one of the most dynamic production chains in the country.
Even with such impressive results, the Rouanet law still faces controversies, many of which are driven by misinformation. This is why research was necessary. The public debate must be nuanced by real data and not by distortions. The tax exemption allocated to culture represents only 0.51% of federal incentives, while its results for the economy are incomparably more important.
The figures presented by FGV seriously address the misconceptions spread over the years. They show that cultural investment promotes inclusion, stimulates the economy and strengthens Brazilian diversity. Above all, they show that we have succeeded in rebuilding the Ministry of Culture and putting culture back at the center of a country’s project.
Research confirms what millions of Brazilians experience every day: when the state respects, strengthens and democratizes cultural policies, all of Brazil wins. And he earns a lot.
*Margareth Menezes is Minister of Culture
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