Black women who transform communities through art and culture are the focus of this edition. The award will recognize 16 initiatives with R$169,000; applications are open until August 13

The Neoenergia Institute has opened applications for the Inspirar Award, which for the first time will be exclusively for black women (cisgender or transgender). Female leaders who are at the forefront of cultural projects developed in Bahia, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte, the Federal District and cities in Mato Grosso and the interior of São Paulo can apply. Registration is free and runs until August 13 on the premioinspirar.com website.

In all, 16 initiatives will be recognized, with a total prize pool of R$169,000. The amounts will be distributed according to the award categories, two of which will be defined by cultural merit and evaluated by a technical committee and external experts, and the others by popular decision. The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the end of the year.

In its 5th edition, the Prêmio Inspirar recognizes female leaders who work in cultural activities and generate a positive impact in their communities. The initiative is presented by the Ministry of Culture and the Neoenergia Institute and carried out by Baluarte, through the Federal Culture Incentive Law, with sponsorship from Neoenergia.

"We are reinforcing our commitment to equal opportunities, highlighting the leading role of black women, who represent 28% of the Brazilian population and historically face barriers to accessing resources and visibility.It is a recognition of the positive impact of these women on society and how they drive cultural development throughout Brazil," says Renata Chagas, CEO of the Neoenergia Institute.

In recent editions, the Prêmio Inspirar has recognized black leaders, such as Consuelo Gonçalves, creator of the Black Women's Fair; and Dandara Martins da Silva, creator of Maracatu Nação Erê, a children's baque virado group from Pernambuco. In line with the UN's 2030 Agenda, the initiative directly strengthens Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5 - Gender Equality) and contributes to six other SDGs, including reducing inequalities and promoting cultural diversity.

"The Inspirar Award is not just an award, but a movement that recognizes the transformative power of culture when led by women. When a woman transforms her reality through art, she inspires others to do the same," explains Bárbara Arraes, manager of Baluarte.

Who can take part and how the proposals will be assessed

Applications are open for two different categories: Women and Collectives. The first is aimed exclusively at black, cisgender or transgender women, over the age of 18, with a proven track record in art or culture for at least a year. The second category includes non-formalized groups whose representative is a black woman and whose cultural activities have been proven for at least a year.