How the National Culture System (SNC) works

THE National Culture System (SNC) It is a milestone in Brazilian cultural management, created to articulate and strengthen public cultural policies throughout the country.

Established by Article 216-A of the Federal Constitution of 1988, through Constitutional Amendment 71 of 2012, the SNC functions as a collaboration mechanism between the Union, states, Federal District, municipalities and civil society.

But, after all, how does the National Culture System (SNC) work in practice?

Find out below!

National Culture System (SNC)

It operates as a bridge that connects federated entities and the population, promoting access to culture, the appreciation of diversity and human, social and economic development.

Imagine the SNC as a symphony orchestra: each federated entity is a musician, with its own unique instrument, but they all play together under the direction of the National Culture Plan (PNC), ensuring harmony and continuity.

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This analogy reflects the essence of the SNC: a decentralized, participatory and democratic system, which organizes cultural policies so that they are permanent, regardless of governmental changes.

Thus, the SNC not only promotes cultural production, but also ensures that cultural rights are respected and that resources reach communities equitably.

Why should culture be treated as a fundamental right?

Because it is the expression of a people's identity, a driving force for social transformation and a pillar for sustainable development.

In this article, we will explore how the National Culture System (SNC) works, highlighting its components, membership processes, impact on cultural policies and challenges, with practical examples, statistics and answers to the most common questions.

Structure and components of the CNS: The basis of cultural management

The functioning of the CNS depends on a robust structure composed of fundamental elements, the so-called components, which guarantee its operationalization.

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Firstly, each federated entity that joins the SNC must establish a cultural management body, such as a secretariat or foundation, responsible for coordinating cultural policies locally.

Furthermore, cultural policy councils, formed by representatives of public authorities and civil society (with at least 50% of civil participation), ensure transparency and popular participation in decision-making.

In this sense, these councils are spaces for dialogue where the community can directly influence cultural priorities.

Furthermore, another essential pillar is the Culture Plan, a strategic document that defines guidelines, goals and actions for cultural policy over a ten-year horizon.

For example, the municipality of Salvador, in Bahia, implemented its Municipal Culture Plan in 2016, aligning it with the SNC.

This plan prioritized the preservation of intangible heritage, such as samba de roda, and the encouragement of local festivals, resulting in a 30% increase in funding for community cultural projects between 2017 and 2020.

In short, this case illustrates how the SNC, by requiring long-term planning, promotes consistent and sustainable policies.

Furthermore, the SNC foresees the creation of cultural funds, which are financial mechanisms for raising and distributing resources.

These funds, combined with cultural conferences and sectoral systems (such as those focused on music, visual arts or heritage), complete the structure.

The table below summarizes the main components of the CNS and their functions:

Component	Description	Application Example
Governing Body	Coordinates cultural policies at local, state or federal level.	Recife Municipal Department of Culture, which manages cultural notices.
Cultural Policy Council	Space for dialogue with civil society participation to define priorities.	Porto Alegre Culture Council, which approved incentives for community theater.
Culture Plan	Document with goals and strategies for 10 years.	Salvador Culture Plan, focused on intangible heritage and festivals.
Culture Fund	Financing mechanism for cultural projects.	Belo Horizonte Municipal Culture Fund, which finances projects by local artists.
Culture Conferences	Participatory forums to debate cultural policies.	Fortaleza Municipal Culture Conference, which defined goals for 2023-2033.

Therefore, the SNC functions as an integrated system that organizes and aligns cultural actions, promoting efficiency and inclusion.

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The articulation of these components ensures that cultural policies are constructed with the participation of society, avoiding centralization and promoting cultural diversity.

Accession process: How states and municipalities join the SNC

Joining the SNC is voluntary, but essential for states and municipalities to align their cultural policies with national guidelines.

Initially, the process begins with the signing of a Federative Cooperation Agreement, formalized by the head of the executive branch (governor or mayor) and sent to the Secretariat of Culture Committees of the Ministry of Culture (MinC).

In short, this agreement, which is valid for an indefinite period, is published in the Official Gazette of the Union, marking provisional accession.

However, to achieve full membership, the federated entity must implement at least three of the five mandatory components: cultural policy council, culture plan, culture fund, culture system law and bipartite inter-managerial commission (in the case of states).

A practical example is the municipality of Olinda, Pernambuco, which joined the SNC in 2015.

Thus, after signing the agreement, the city created its municipal culture council, with 60% representatives from civil society, and drew up a culture plan that prioritized the preservation of frevo and carnival.

As a result, Olinda managed to raise R$2 million in federal resources via the National Culture Fund between 2016 and 2019.

]Thus, promoting initiatives such as dance workshops and restoration of historical heritage. This case demonstrates how membership of the SNC facilitates access to resources and strengthens local cultural management.

Furthermore, the SNC Platform (snc.cultura.gov.br) plays a crucial role, functioning as a digital hub where federated entities register information, monitor progress and update their work plans.

By July 2025, 63.8% of Brazilian municipalities (3,554 out of 5,570) had joined the SNC, according to data from the MinC, a significant increase compared to the 55% in 2022.

In short, this statistic reflects the growing recognition of the importance of the SNC for the decentralization of resources and the consolidation of cultural policies.

Impacts of the SNC: Transforming culture into state policy

The SNC transforms culture into a State policy, ensuring continuity and independence from government changes.

Firstly, it promotes decentralization, allowing resources to reach municipalities and states directly, as occurred with the Aldir Blanc National Policy (PNAB), which allocated R$3 billion annually to federated entities.

In this sense, this decentralization expands access to cultural assets, especially in historically neglected regions, such as the North, where 55.5% of municipalities joined the SNC by 2024.

Furthermore, the SNC strengthens social participation.

In short, cultural policy councils and conferences ensure that civil society has an active voice in policy-making, promoting transparency and accountability.

For example, during the 2024 National Culture Conference, goals were approved that included expanding incentives for indigenous and quilombola cultures, demonstrating the SNC's commitment to diversity.

This participatory approach is essential to meet the demands of marginalized communities and ensure that cultural policies are inclusive.

Finally, the CNS contributes to economic development.

Culture, in addition to its symbolic dimension, is an economic engine, generating jobs and driving production chains.

The sanction of Law No. 14,835/2024, which consolidated the regulatory framework of the SNC, reinforced the MinC's commitment to the promotion and sustainability of the cultural sector, aligning it with the National Culture Plan.

Thus, the SNC not only organizes cultural management, but also positions culture as a strategic pillar for the country's progress.

Challenges and perspectives: The path to consolidation of the CNS

Despite its advances, the CNS faces significant challenges.

Firstly, the participation of some states, such as São Paulo, is still limited, which reflects regional resistance to integration with the system.

In this sense, this resistance can be attributed to a lack of resources, insufficient training or divergent political priorities.

Furthermore, the implementation of components, such as the creation of cultural funds, requires technical and financial capacity, which can be an obstacle for smaller municipalities.

Furthermore, another challenge is the need for ongoing regulation.

Although Law No. 14,835/2024 has established clear guidelines, the absence of a detailed regulatory decree by July 2025 makes it difficult to standardize processes.

However, the MinC has promoted initiatives such as seminars and courses in partnership with ENAP to train managers, which signals an effort to overcome these barriers.

Looking to the future, the SNC has the potential to consolidate itself as the “SUS of Culture”, structuring cultural policies in a systemic and democratic way. ]

The new SNC website, launched in January 2025, offers resources such as tutorials and data dashboards, making it easier to join and monitor.

With this, the SNC can not only expand access to culture, but also strengthen national identity and sustainable development.

Frequently Asked Questions about the National Culture System (SNC)

Question	Response
What is the National Culture System (SNC)?	It is a cultural management mechanism that articulates the Union, states, Federal District, municipalities and civil society to promote cultural policies.
Is membership in the SNC mandatory?	No, it is voluntary, but essential to access federal resources and align cultural policies.
What are the benefits of joining the SNC?	Access to federal resources, participation in public notices, greater transparency and strengthening of local cultural management.
How can a municipality join the SNC?	By signing the Federative Cooperation Agreement, registered on the SNC Platform and sent to the MinC.
What is the deadline for implementing the Work Plan after joining?	Up to two years after the publication of the Agreement in the Official Gazette of the Union.
What happens if a municipality does not meet the requirements for full membership?	You may lose access to federal resources and cultural notices, in addition to not consolidating your local cultural system.

Conclusion: National Culture System (SNC)

The National Culture System (SNC) is more than a set of rules; it is a commitment to the democratization of culture and the strengthening of Brazilian identity.

By bringing together federated entities and civil society, it ensures that culture is treated as a fundamental right, with consistent and participatory policies.

From membership to the implementation of its components, the SNC organizes cultural management in a decentralized manner, promoting inclusion and development.

With examples like Salvador and Olinda, we see how the SNC transforms local realities, while statistics show its growing reach.

Despite the challenges, such as the resistance of some states and the need for regulation, the SNC points to a future where culture is a strategic pillar of Brazil.

How does the National Culture System (SNC) work?

It works as a catalyst for change, connecting people, ideas and resources to build a country richer in diversity and cultural opportunities.