Exploring Cultural Diversity:

Evaluation of Applications for the Cultura Viva Sérgio Mamberti Award – Older Adults Category

Abstract

The National Policy for Living Culture (Política Nacional de Cultura Viva), established in Brazil by Law 13.018/2014, aims to strengthen community-based cultural initiatives, promoting culture as a right and a tool for emancipation. With a participatory and inclusive approach, it values cultural diversity and fosters grassroots networks, recognizing culture as a space for resistance and social transformation. In 2023, the Brazilian Ministry of Culture launched the Cultura Viva – Sérgio Mamberti Award, organized into four categories, including Cultural Diversity, which focused on older adults. This award sought to recognize the knowledge and cultural expressions of people over 60 years old, promoting the appreciation of memory, ancestral knowledge, and intergenerational exchange. This article analyzes 115 proposals submitted in the "Older Adult" category via the Mapa da Cultura online platform. The evaluation followed the criteria of the National Policy for Living Culture, assessing elements such as memory, protagonism, and community impact. The majority of applicants were individuals, revealing broad diversity, with a notable concentration in Brazil’s Northeast region, a significant female presence, and low participation of older adults with disabilities. The cultural expressions included crafts, music, dance, and local traditions.