Directing part of the income tax to cultural institutions not only paves the way for supporting culture, but also places taxpayers in the role of active agents in defining how a share of public resources will be invested.
In Brazil, individuals have the option of allocating up to 6% of the Income Tax due to cultural projects approved by the Ministry of Culture. This simple process occurs during the income tax declaration, where the taxpayer chooses to direct a portion of their tax to cultural projects of their choice. This donation does not affect the amount to be refunded or paid, it only channels a portion of the tax that would already be due towards cultural actions.
For art enthusiasts, this practice is especially interesting, as it allows them to become protagonists in the preservation and promotion of culture in the country, enabling them to choose projects aligned with their values and interests, encouraging its maintenance and development. With this in mind, Artsoul has separated 8 cultural institutions to which it is possible to donate Income Tax as an individual, highlighting the possibilities and benefits of each of them.
São Paulo Museum of Art – MASP
São Paulo Museum of Art – MASP. Photo: Rodrigo Soldon. Creative Commons.
The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), a landmark in the São Paulo landscape and one of the most important art museums in the country, allows taxpayers to donate part of their IR to its projects. Recognized for its collection, which includes famous names from the European Renaissance to exponents of Brazilian contemporary art, MASP stands out as one of the most relevant institutions on the contemporary cultural scene not only for its collection, but also for the temporary exhibitions organized, courses and educational actions.
The museum highlights that the amounts received from the IR donation are intended for the dissemination of culture and the promotion of education through different programs. In 2023, more than 95 thousand people took MASP courses, workshops and seminars. Furthermore, more than 150 thousand visitors from schools, NGOs and social institutions were able to visit the exhibitions through group appointments. You can find out more about how to donate your IR to MASP by clicking here.
Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo
State Pinacoteca. Photo: Wilfredor. Creative Commons.
The Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo stands out as one of the most important visual arts museums in Brazil. Founded in 1905, the institution has an extensive collection of Brazilian art, including paintings, sculptures and other artistic manifestations. In addition to the famous building in Parque da Luz, the Pinacoteca has two more buildings: Pina Estação and Pina Contemporânea. This last building, opened in 2023, transformed the museum into the largest exhibition space in the country.
By allocating IR to the Pinacoteca, the public contributes to its projects, which include not only the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, but also educational initiatives, courses, lectures and accessibility programs aimed at audiences with disabilities. The donation also makes it possible to join the “Amigos da Pina” program, which offers several benefits such as free entry to the museum for a year, visits with artists and museum staff, invitations to exhibition openings and discounts on tickets, books and courses from partner institutions. On the official website, you can find details of the IR donation to the Pinacoteca.
Emanoel Araujo Afro Brazil Museum
Afro Brasil Emanoel Araujo Museum. Photo: Rodrigo Tetsuo Argenton. Creative Commons
The Afro Brasil Emanoel Araujo Museum stands out for its commitment to preserving, disseminating and celebrating African and Afro-Brazilian heritage. Founded in 2004, it houses a rich collection that encompasses art, historical documents, photographs and objects that accompany the religions, work and cultures of the populations of the African diaspora in their trajectories in Brazil, and how these trajectories shape the country’s identity .
In addition to the long-term exhibition, the museum holds regular temporary exhibitions, offers courses for teachers and educators and has a wide program of workshops, workshops and music and gastronomic events. By donating your IR to the Museu Afro Brasil Emanoel Araujo, the public will be supporting the implementation of the project “Power in Africa: A Historical Journey”, scheduled for 2024 as part of the celebrations of the institution’s twentieth anniversary. The project includes an exhibition that will explore the manifestations of authority in different societies in Africa, ranging from Egypt to the African Diaspora, in addition to holding a seminar and a publication on the topic. Find out more about the IR donation to the Afro Brasil Emanoel Araujo Museum by clicking here.
São Paulo Museum of Modern Art – MAM SP
São Paulo Museum of Modern Art. Photo: Dornicke. Creative Commons.
Founded in 1948, the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art (MAM SP) is a fundamental landmark in the history of Brazilian museums. In addition to its valuable collection, MAM maintains its relevance through contemporary initiatives such as the Panorama of Brazilian Art Program, which not only promotes the production of young artists, but also addresses essential issues of national culture.
With temporary exhibitions, courses and various activities aimed at families, such as workshops and themed visits, the museum remains one of the most active spaces in the capital of São Paulo. By contributing their income tax to MAM, the public directs resources towards the physical maintenance of the institution, ensuring the continuity of its programming, including exhibition planning, management and conservation of the collection, in addition to the production of catalogs and books. To find out more about the IR donation to MAM, click here.
Museum of Portuguese Language
Portuguese Language Museum. Photo: Rubens Cavallari. Creative Commons.
The Portuguese Language Museum is an institution dedicated to the celebration and preservation of the Portuguese language, considered in all its diversity. Opened in 2006, it occupies the historic Estação da Luz and offers an interactive experience that highlights the stories of the language, in its different origins and ramifications, reinforcing the complexities and richness of speaking Portuguese.
In addition, it has temporary exhibitions that highlight literary contributions, linguistic variations and other pluralities of our language. By donating income tax to the museum, the public will encourage social and educational projects, such as visits by public school students, people with disabilities and those in social vulnerability. Find out more about the IR donation to the Portuguese Language Museum by clicking here.
Museum of Modern Art of Rio de Janeiro – MAM Rio
MAM Rio. Photo: Halley Pacheco de Oliveira. Creative Commons.
The Rio de Janeiro Museum of Modern Art (MAM Rio), founded in 1948, is a prominent cultural institution on the national scene. Recognized for its historical role in promoting modern art, MAM Rio houses a broad and diverse collection, contributing significantly to the preservation and dissemination of Brazilian artistic heritage.
In addition to the permanent collections, the museum maintains a dynamic program, with workshops, artistic meetings and educational activities, in addition to maintaining a Cinematheque, with several film cycles, including screenings of new works. The IR donation contributes to the continuation and expansion of the museum’s actions, such as exhibitions, cinema sessions, educational activities, publications, conservation and restoration of works of art. To find out more about the IR donation to MAM Rio, click here.
Pontal Museum
Pontal Museum. Photo: Disclosure.
Located in Rio de Janeiro, the Pontal Museum is considered one of the main popular art museums in the country. Founded in 1976, it houses a rich collection of sculptures, ceramics and handcrafted objects, portraying the diversity and authenticity of popular traditions.
The museum also offers a wide program of themed visits, educational activities and theatrical and musical performances. Furthermore, entry is free, which allows access to different audiences. The IR donation to the Pontal Museum allows it to remain free of charge, in addition to maintaining educational programs that offer visits and activities to schools, NGOs and social institutions. Find out more about the IR donation to the Pontal Museum by clicking here.
Inhotim Institute
Inhotim. Photo: Tedd Santana. Creative Commons
The Inhotim Institute, located in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, stands out as one of the largest open-air contemporary art collections in the world. Founded in 2006, the institute houses works by renowned national and international artists in its permanent galleries, in addition to promoting important temporary exhibitions. Its approach, which integrates art, nature and architecture, makes Inhotim a unique space. In addition to the exhibitions, the institution offers a program that includes courses, workshops, and musical, audiovisual and scenic presentations.
Through the “Amigo do Inhotim” program, it is possible to donate Income Tax to the institution. In addition to the tax deduction, benefits include free, skip-the-line entry, discounts on services and events and access to exclusive content. By clicking here, you can access more information about IR donations to the Inhotim Institute.