Integração ou fragmentação? Trajetória institucional das políticas de cultura e turismo em Araponga–MG

Abstract

This article analyzes the institutional trajectory of public policies for culture and tourism in the municipality of Araponga–MG, aiming to understand the extent to which these two fields have been structured in an integrated or fragmented manner over time. To this end, a comprehensive survey and systematization of all relevant municipal legislation were conducted – including laws, decrees, appointment records, and sectoral plans -complemented by an in-depth analysis of the Municipal Culture Plan (2024–2034) and the Municipal Sustainable Tourism Development Plan (2021–2024). The study is grounded in institutional theory and policy integration literature, combining documentary analysis with contextual interpretive reading. The findings indicate that, although culture and tourism share the same administrative structure and present discursive convergence in normative texts, integration has occurred predominantly at a formal and organizational level, without the consolidation of effective intersectoral governance mechanisms. Culture frequently appears as a symbolic input for tourism policy, while cultural policy demonstrates a later and more systemic institutionalization process. It is concluded that integration between culture and tourism in Araponga remains more of a normative potential than a consolidated institutional practice, highlighting the need for greater alignment among systems, councils, funds, and planning instruments in order to foster truly integrated territorial governance.