Through a statement, the Minister of Cultures, Arts and Heritage, Francisco Undurraga, announced significant changes for the funds his department will deliver in 2027 and a redesign in the distribution of the amounts.
“As part of our action plan and management axes 2026-2030, we have proposed a profound redesign of the Culture Funds 2027, to ensure that each resource has the greatest possible impact. It is not just about how much is invested, but how it is best distributed. Therefore, the focus will be on quality projects with greater reach, that reach more people and generate concrete effects. In addition, we are strengthening lines that promote innovation, with the incorporation of new technologies in artistic creation,” announces the Secretary of State in the text.
Specifically, the culture funds present a redesign that is part of the Transparent Culture Plan implemented by the Undersecretariat of Cultures and Arts, which, according to the statement, “seeks to make more efficient and effective use of the public resources available for financing cultural projects, prioritizing impact on people, access to culture, and strengthening the creative ecosystem throughout the country.” This edition maintains the differentiated opening modality for its different funds and lines.
In an interview this Tuesday the 28th with Radio Duna, the Undersecretary of Cultures and Arts, Carlos Lobos, acknowledged the adjustment and estimated at $41,405 million the amount to be distributed among all competitive funds. In 2026, the budget allocated to the same item was $85,430 million. That is, for 2027 the reduction is half.
According to the newspaper El Mercurio, in all enabled divisions there are sharp reductions: in the Audiovisual Fund there were $540 million to allocate this year, but in 2027 there will be only $192 million; in the Book and Reading Fund, the decrease goes from $293 million to $128 million; in the Regional Fondart, from $835 million to $335 million.
The 2027 edition of the Culture Funds incorporates new lines and modalities, among them: Creative Neighborhoods in National Fondart, Traditional Cultures in Regional Fondart; Young Talents in the Performing Arts Fund and in the Music Fund and Promotion of Integral Development, also in the Music Fund.
In addition, alternation in selection will be promoted, an issue that appears among the most controversial of the current guidelines. For example, application restrictions are incorporated for project leaders who have been selected in certain lines of the 2026 competition: they will not be able to apply to the same ones in 2027 (lines such as festivals are excepted).
With the idea of incorporating new audiences, according to the ministry, quotas are also established to encourage the selection of projects that promote the creation of content aimed at girls, boys and adolescents; and that allow families to be the target audience.
This version also incorporates new technologies and narratives in the creation and production of content. The purpose is that they result in cultural products that are easily accessible to new audiences, for example, digital publications, multiplatform content and creative communities.
Another emphasis is on the promotion of new talents, according to the text. Quotas are established for the financing of first operas and the Young Talent modality is created in the Performing Arts Fund, while those under 18 who apply to the Music Fund may even pursue their training abroad.
Considering the transformations in consumption habits and the proliferation of digital distribution platforms, vertical formats are also incorporated in the audiovisual field.
The opening and closing date ranges for the competition lines of each fund are as follows:
BECAS CHILE CREA
Opening: Monday, July 27.
Closing: Monday, August 31.
BOOK AND READING FUND / CREATION PROMOTION LINE
Opening: Tuesday, July 28.
Closing: Tuesday, September 1.
BOOK AND READING FUND / OTHER LINES
Opening: Wednesday, July 29.
Closing: Wednesday, September 2.
PERFORMING ARTS FUND
Opening: Thursday, July 30.
Closing: Thursday, September 3.
AUDIOVISUAL PROMOTION FUND
Opening: Friday, July 31.
Closing: Friday, September 4.
MUSIC PROMOTION FUND
Opening: Tuesday, August 4.
Closing: Tuesday, September 8.
REGIONAL FONDART
Opening: Wednesday, August 5.
Closing: Wednesday, September 9.
NATIONAL FONDART
Opening: Thursday, August 6.
Closing: Thursday, September 10.
