AFLORA and Flor e Espinho: Learn About the Project That Strengthens Culture in the Midwest
An initiative in Mato Grosso do Sul aims to increase the number of cultural associations and cooperatives.
During a discussion on culture and public policy in NIOAQUE, Mato Grosso do Sul, last Friday, October 17, 2025, Fernanda Teixeira explained the differences between the AFLORA Project and the Flor e Espinho Association—two entities that work together but play distinct roles within the regional cultural scene.
Fernanda explained that the Flor e Espinho Association is the entity responsible for implementing the AFLORA Project, an initiative funded by a congressional amendment introduced by Federal Representative Camila Jara. The project arose from the observation that the Midwest still has few formalized groups and collectives, and that Mato Grosso do Sul is the state with the fewest registered associations and cooperatives in the region.
“AFLORA was created precisely to encourage this kind of organization and to provide more support to those who are already involved in culture, but often lack a formal structure,” Fernanda explained.
In addition to discussing the project, the debate also featured Jessé Jerônimo dos Santos, who highlighted the importance of cultural events for the city. He emphasized how these initiatives boost the local economy, strengthen a sense of belonging, and create spaces for artists and the community to come together.
Meanwhile, in the “Quilombola Cardoso” community, a workshop on project development was held. According to Jessé, bringing training and cultural initiatives to areas like Cardoso is a concrete way to decentralize culture and expand access to knowledge.
Jessé notes that monitoring is carried out through Aflora, where the region’s initiatives are registered on the culture map; “We can highlight the Olodum Quilombola Cardoso Project, the municipal marching band at Odete Ignes School, the Bate Lata Project at Guilherme Correia Municipal School, the music project at Amália Martins Gazote School, and the Income Generation Project for Women in the Bahia neighborhood,” he adds.
Another topic that sparked interest was artists’ access to funding. A question arose: Is it necessary to be affiliated with an association to apply for grants or receive financial support?
The answer was clear—it is not mandatory. Culture, as the participants pointed out, is one of the most democratic fields in this regard. An example of this is the Aldir Blanc Law, which has enabled independent artists and cultural agents to receive public funds directly, without the need for institutional intermediaries.
The meeting reinforced the importance of discussing ways to strengthen the cultural sector by promoting dialogue among artists, managers, and organizations. Projects like AFLORA show that organization and knowledge are powerful allies for those who live and create culture, especially in regions where support is still limited.