17th SPRING OF MUSEUMS

“Memory is an evocation of the past.

It is the human capacity to retain and save

the time that was gone, saving it from total loss.”

Marilena Chaui

The theme Memories and Democracy: LGBT+ people,

indigenous and quilombola communities is the inspiration for the realization

of the activities of the 17th Museum Spring, offering

opportunities to reflect on the construction of

democracy of its agents.

The history of the formation of Brazil, in the task of implementing

an effectively democratic regime and that, at the same time

time, was able to guarantee and create rights, is marked

by crises and interruptions, like the one we experienced on the 8th of

January 2023, with the threat of a coup d'état and the

terrorist attacks on historical and cultural heritage and

political dimension of our country.

It is to recognize that democracy is made by many hands,

that we associate the debate on the resumption of construction

of democracy with the participation of many of its

agents who are still invisible or marginalized today.

In the context of a new government that promotes

reconstruction and union of Brazil, we want to encourage that

museums, holders and promoters of memory, culture, and

of the arts, contribute to the recognition, appreciation

and the protagonism of LGBT+, indigenous and

quilombolas in the production of their own memories.

Where are these people in the museums? What collections

representative of their cultures they preserve? How do they

are presented to society and how museums

contribute to their recognition and appreciation? Who

museums listen when dealing with LGBT+ people,

indigenous and quilombola communities?

The memories of the LGBT+ community are fundamental to

understand the fight for civil rights, equality and respect.

Throughout history, LGBT+ individuals have faced

discrimination, marginalization and persecution in many

societies. These collective memories encompass

protest movements, demonstrations, events

significant, such as the Stonewall riots in 1969, and the

continued efforts to achieve, for example, equality

in marriage, adoption and non-discrimination.

Democracy plays an important role in ensuring

that the rights of LGBT+ people are protected and

respected. Through political participation and

involvement with democratic institutions, the community

LGBT+ can fight for social and legislative changes that

fully recognize their rights and freedoms.

The memories of indigenous peoples are essential to

preserve their cultures, languages and ancestral knowledge.

Many indigenous communities have faced centuries of

colonialism, exploitation and oppression that caused the loss

of lands, the destruction of traditions and the denial of their

fundamental rights.

Effective democracy for indigenous peoples implies the

respect for their rights to self-determination, consultation and

free, prior and informed consent on matters that

affect their lands and communities, in an approach

inclusive that values your memories and perspectives.

The memories of the quilombola communities are a

testimony to resistance and resilience over time.

Quilombos emerged as autonomous communities of

people of African descent who escaped slavery and

fought for freedom and dignity.

For quilombola communities, democracy means

official recognition of their lands and rights, preserving

their cultural traditions and ensuring access to services

basics, such as education and health. It is essential that their voices

be heard in decisions that affect their lives and

territories.

Brazilian Institute of Museums