Less than a day after the announcement of the dismissal of Francisca Carneiro Fernandes from the position of president of the Board of Directors of the Fundação do Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB), a petition was launched.

By the time this text was published, the petition had already gathered hundreds of signatures. It questions Minister of Culture Dalila Rodrigues, who decided to impose new guidance on management. The petition states:

“We demand clarification of the situation created by the Minister of Culture, who has not made any statement on this matter and the argument of a ‘new direction’ is clearly insufficient. What new direction?”

Open Letter Demands Answers

In an open letter to the Prime Minister, the undersigned group of citizens demands answers to eight questions. These include an evaluation of Francisca Carneiro Fernandes’s tenure, which ended abruptly just days before she would have completed one year in office.

The letter also seeks clarification on the reasons behind her dismissal and the details of the new strategy being implemented. The signatories seek details on the selection process for the foundation’s new president, Nuno Vassallo e Silva.

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They also question whether the Prime Minister believes that the evaluation of technical skills, experience, and professional background has been a consistent factor in the numerous dismissals within the cultural sector.

Signatories of the open letter petition include pianist Joana Gama, programmer Sérgio Hydalgo, former CCB administrator Miguel Lobo Antunes, director André Teodósio, and former director of Teatro Viriato Henrique Amoedo.

Nuno Vassallo e Silva Announced New President

On Thursday, the Minister of Culture announced that art historian Nuno Vassallo e Silva will serve as the new president of the Board of Directors of the CCB Foundation. This decision marks the departure of Francisca Carneiro Fernandes, appointed by former minister Pedro Adão e Silva, just shy of completing a year in office.

During her tenure, Fernandes focused on bridging visual and performing arts. Minister Dalila Rodrigues explained the change as part of an effort to introduce a new direction to the management.

A brief three-paragraph statement released yesterday confirmed the departure of Francisca Carneiro Fernandes, who the previous government appointed for her experience in managing cultural facilities and her connection to the performing arts.

The statement provided little detail about the decision, with Minister Dalila Rodrigues merely asserting that the change was made to ensure that the foundation [CCB] delivers a nationwide service, contributing to a new chapter in Portuguese cultural life.

Workers’ Committee Expresses Regret

Following the announcement, the Workers’ Committee (CT) of the CCB Foundation expressed deep regret over the dismissal of Francisca Carneiro Fernandes. The committee highlighted her efforts in fostering open dialogue and an immediate commitment to addressing systemic issues previously reported to the former administration, particularly in the performance area.

They also acknowledged her role in driving a crucial restructuring process, which included the effective and integrated management of teams. Notably, her tenure marked a historic milestone for the CCB with the appointment of its first artistic director, Aida Tavares.

Two weeks before the decision became public, the Culture Minister’s office had publicly stated that there would be no changes in the CCB’s administration.

Broader Changes in the Cultural Sector

Upon taking office, Dalila Rodrigues initiated significant changes within the Ministry of Culture, including replacing the leaders of the Museums and Monuments of Portugal (MMP) and the Cultural Heritage Institute.

Among those dismissed was Pedro Sobrado, who returned to managing the Teatro Nacional de São João after less than a year in his MMP role. He was succeeded by Alexandre Nobre Pais, the former director of the Tile Museum.

Additionally, João Soalheiro was appointed to head the Cultural Heritage Department, which had previously been under investigation by the General Inspectorate of Cultural Activities over allegations of authoritarian behavior—a case that was ultimately shelved.

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