Brazil: Protesters occupy recently defunct Ministry of Culture in Rio

Gustavo Capanema, the palace that houses the recently defunct Ministry of Culture and the National Arts Foundation (FUNARTE) in downtown Rio, was occupied by hundreds of protesters on Monday (May 16) in a demonstration against the close-down of the Culture Ministry and against the interim government of President Michel Temer.

On the second floor of the building, where the protesters set up camp, posters read “Be Careful with Public Property”, “No Eating over the Carpet,” and “No Smoking”. Outside, banners say “Temer go away”, “Coup”, “Fascists shall not pass” and “Theater Artists for Democracy.” The exterior of the building is being restored, and the occupation has not disrupted the normal activities at the facility.

The Central Workers' Union (CUT) leader in Rio, Marcelo Rodrigues, said the union supports the demonstration: “We will stay here for as long as we have to, we are all together. This is against the closure of the ministry and against that coup-based government. We need to take culture more seriously in this country and bring that government down.”

When the occupation will end is still open, according to Iara Rocha, an actress-theater director among the organizers. She said the protesters will take shifts in the sit-in, and that they do not recognize Michel Temer as president.

The Ministry of Education and Culture has been contacted by Agência Brasil but has not yet commented on the story.

Translated by Mayra Borges