Portugal/ 8.4 Amateur arts, cultural associations and community centres  

8.4.2 Cultural houses and community cultural clubs

These entities of the third sector are usually supported by the Local Administrations, but partnerships with the public sector as well as with the private one are increasing in number.

Recently, "collective houses" for young people are emerging as a new initiative in Portuguese society.

In 2006 the Portuguese Youth Institute (IPJ) established four support programmes for youth associations:

• Juvenile Support Programme (PAJ), to develop youth association activities and informal youth groups;
• Infrastructure Support Programme (PAI), for investments in infrastructure and facilities for youth association activities and premises;
• Student Support Programme (PAE), to provide financial support for the activities of student associations; and
• Training Programme, to train association leaders for association activities

Those seeking support under these programmes must be registered with the National Register of Youth Associations (RNAJ). These associations also qualify for some tax exemptions and reductions.

Chapter updated: 24-11-2008