Funding dispute throws São Brás Museum into turmoil
Portugal Resident
São Brás museum remains open and is even launching new activities, says local council
The Costume Museum in São Brás de Alportel, a cherished local landmark, is at the centre of a heated dispute over alleged funding mismanagement.
The case dates back to September when the local Santa Casa da Misericórdia, which manages the museum, suspended the museum’s director, Emanuel Sancho, over his claims that €50,000 in municipal subsidies to finance cultural activities were used to cover other expenses. The Santa Casa da Misericórdia defended itself, stating the issue arose from a “profound lack of knowledge and a misinterpretation of a bank statement.” It clarified that the money in question was placed in a fixed-term deposit to yield higher returns. Meanwhile, it decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings and file a criminal complaint for defamation against Sancho.
The controversy quickly sparked fears that the museum’s future was in question, but the municipal council of São Brás de Alportel has released a statement clarifying that the museum remains open and is even launching new activities.
After avoiding commenting on the matter for months, the municipal council finally reacted in a statement confirming its annual support of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia via cooperation protocols, which recognise the “unique and invaluable work” carried out by Misericórdia, namely in terms of the management of the museum, which it is the “exclusive and legitimate owner and manager of.”
However, the council explained that municipal funding only covers around 10% of the museum’s operating costs, such as those related to cultural programmes, educational activities, preservation work and research.
The Misericórdia, on the other hand, funds a larger chunk of the museum’s operating costs – around €120,000 annually – which includes managing over 10 other social support programmes benefiting local families, children, seniors, and people in “vulnerable” situations.
The council guarantees that the Misericórdia is meeting its obligations under the protocol and that the museum remains fully operational. Not only have its doors stayed open, but new regular activities have also been introduced, while existing programmes and community events continue. Meanwhile, requests from the community for use of the museum’s facilities are being accepted, it adds.
The local authority also rejects the criticism it has received from other local political forces, which it says, “makes it seem like local councils are responsible for functions that are not their responsibility.”
Lamenting the current situation, the council said it has had a proactive and collaborative approach, citing efforts to act as a mediator between the museum’s leadership, team and the ‘Amigos do Museu’ (Friends of the Museum) group.
On a closing note, the municipal authority called for a swift resolution to the ongoing dispute.
michael.bruxo@portugalresident.com
The post Funding dispute throws São Brás Museum into turmoil appeared first on Portugal Resident written by Michael Bruxo
