Santander Cultural cancels Queermuseu exhibition following right-wing protests

On September 11, 2017, the Santander Cultural in Porto Alegre, Brazil, abruptly ended the group exhibition Queermuseu – Cartografias da Diferença na Arte da Brasileira before its planned conclusion. The decision was attributed to protests led by right-wing activists outside the venue. Curated by Gaudêncio Fidelis, the exhibition showcased 85 artists, including notable figures such as Adriana Varejão and Cândido Portinari, with over 270 artworks borrowed from various collections, marking a significant moment in queer Brazilian art. The museum claimed that certain pieces offended symbols and beliefs, clashing with its values. Artist Cibelle Cavalli Bastos criticized the cancellation as a reflection of Michel Temer's conservative government. This led to widespread backlash from artists and a counter-protest organized outside the museum.