Portugal - Profile Updates
Portugal/ 3.4 International cultural co-operation
3.4.4 Direct professional co-operation
The World Heritage of Portuguese Origin network was established in October 2010.
Portugal/ 3.4 International cultural co-operation
3.4.4 Direct professional co-operation
2010-2011 exchange programme for the best emerging architects in the UK and Portugal.
Portugal/ 3.4 International cultural co-operation
3.4.6 Other relevant issues
Portuguese international cultural policy is focused on reinforcement of the language around the world.
Portugal/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate
4.1 Main cultural policy issues and priorities
Fund for the International Promotion of Portuguese Culture was formed in 2011.
Portugal/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate
4.1 Main cultural policy issues and priorities
In 2010 a Strategic Plan for State Museums was launched.
Portugal/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate
4.1 Main cultural policy issues and priorities
Portugal Music Export Agency set up in 2011 involving the ministry and associations.
Portugal/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate
4.1 Main cultural policy issues and priorities
A National Network of Theatres was established in 2011.
Portugal/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate
4.2.1 Conceptual issues of policies for the arts
Ministry of Culture's existence under threat.
Portugal/ 4. Current issues in cultural policy development and debate
4.2.1 Conceptual issues of policies for the arts
Joint strategy by Foreign Affairs and Culture Ministries will promote Portuguese culture.
Portugal/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates
4.2.2 Heritage issues and policies
Classified Heritage Restoration Programme supported by 1% of public works contracts.
Portugal/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates
4.2.2 Heritage issues and policies
In 2010 a Strategic Plan for State Museums was launched.
Portugal/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates
4.2.3 Cultural/creative industries: policies and programmes
The new INOV-Art programme provides placements in cultural organisations around the world for those under 35.
Portugal/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates
4.2.3 Cultural/creative industries: policies and programmes
Fashion, design, the audiovisual sector, tourism and vocational training are priority sectors in the cultural industries for the government.
Portugal/ 4.2 Recent policy issues and debates
4.2.6 Media pluralism and content diversity
The new Digital Terrestrial System (to which existing channels will migrate) is due to be fully implemented in 2012.
Portugal/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates
4.2.9 Employment policies for the cultural sector
The juridical regime for employment contracts of performing arts professionals was established in 2008. In March 2010, a new law on professional qualifications and pension and welfare arrangements was presented for discussion in the Parliament.
Portugal/ 4.2 Specific policy issues and recent debates
4.2.11 New technologies and digitalisation in the arts and culture
In four years, broadband internet access grew in Portugal from 20% to 46% in 2009.
Portugal/ 5.3 Sector specific legislation
5.3.4 Literature and libraries
New Law exempts from VAT books which are given free of charge.
Portugal/ 6. Financing of culture
6.1 Short overview
The percentage of the central budget for culture averaged 0.5% over a period of thirteen years to 2010, compared to 1.1% for local government.
Portugal/ 6. Financing of culture
6.1 Short overview
An upward trend in expenditure on culture by Portuguese families can be seen since 2003.
Portugal/ 7. Public institutions in cultural infrastructure
7.1 Cultural infrastructure: tendencies & strategies
The Ministry has proposed a merger of the two remaining national theatres.
Portugal/ 7. Cultural institutions and new partnerships
7.3 Emerging partnerships or collaborations
A new public-private partnership will see 1% of project costs donated to conserve cultural buildings.
Portugal/ 8.1 Direct and indirect support to artists
8.1.3 Support to professional artists associations or unions
Library professionals argue that a European directive on copyright payments would undermine the vitality of public libraries.
Portugal/ 8.2 Cultural consumption and participation
8.2.1 Trends and figures
Cultural participation has gown significantly between 1990 and 2009, apart from cinema.
Country Directory 
Profile updates 
Profile Author (s) 
Profiles Structure 
Structure Multilingual 
Council of Europe/ERICarts, "Compendium of Cultural Policies and Trends in Europe, 14th edition", 2013 | ISSN 2222-7334