“In a particularly challenging context for the municipal budget”, due to the need for wide-ranging intervention across the municipality following the destruction caused by Storm Kristin, Leiria City Council reaffirms its strategic commitment to culture.

In a statement, the council emphasised its decision not to back down on cultural investment. The council recognises this as an essential pillar of social cohesion, local identity, and quality of life for the population.

At a time when many associations face increased challenges, this decision represents a sign of stability. It also sends a clear message of confidence in the decisive role these organisations play in developing the municipality.

The funding is divided into approximately €824,000 for theatre groups, conservatoires, philharmonic orchestras, folk dance groups, choirs and cultural programmers, and approximately €135,000 for conservation and improvement works on headquarters and other facilities used for cultural, ethnographic and recreational activities.

The budget allocation for Culture was approved on Monday at a council meeting, as part of the PRO Leiria programme.

“We have a very strong community life, and this is one of the best indicators of civic engagement in our municipality,” emphasised the Councillor for Culture at Leiria City Council during the meeting.

According to Anabela Graça, investment in cultural organisations is spread across various areas.

“Eighteen folk dance groups, 11 brass bands, five theatre groups, eight choirs, two music schools, two museums and 32 cultural organisers. We are supporting around 79 cultural organisations and 204 events to take place throughout the year, which create a cultural dynamic across the whole municipality,” she explained.

For the councillor, the municipality of Leiria’s commitment “is a way of preventing exclusion and creating new opportunities, retaining talent in Leiria and boosting the cultural economy”.

The council’s support for culture “returns to the community in the form of social cohesion, economic activity and a strengthened identity”.

“We are investing in the many people who organise themselves daily in the fields of music, theatre and dance. It is support for all those who work for culture in Leiria,” she concluded.