Political career (1987–present) Gilberto Gil

gil former president of brazil luiz inácio lula da silva

gil describes attitude towards politics thus: d rather see position in government of administrator or manager. politics necessary ingredient. political career began in 1987, when elected local post in bahia , became salvador secretary of culture. in 1988, elected city council , subsequently became city commissioner environmental protection. however, left office after 1 term , declined run national congress of brazil. in 1990, gil left brazilian democratic movement party , joined green party. during period, gil founded environmental protection organization onda azul (blue wave), worked protect brazilian waters. maintained full-time musical career @ same time, , withdrew temporarily politics in 1992, following release parabolicamará, considered 1 of successful efforts. on october 16, 2001 gil accepted nomination goodwill ambassador food , agriculture organization (fao) of united nations, having promoted organization before appointment.

when president luiz inácio lula da silva took office in january 2003, chose gil brazil s new minister of culture, second black person serve in country s cabinet. appointment controversial among political , artistic figures , brazilian press; remark gil made difficulties salary received particular criticism. gil not member of lula s workers party , did not participate in creating cultural program. shortly after becoming minister, gil began partnership between brazil , creative commons. minister, has sponsored program called culture points, gives grants provide music technology , education people living in poor areas of country s cities. gil has since asserted ve got young people becoming designers, making media , being used more , more television , samba schools , revitalizing degraded neighborhoods. s different vision of role of government, new role. gil has expressed interest in program establish internet repository of freely downloadable brazilian music. since gil s appointment, department s expenditures have increased on 50 percent. in november 2007 gil announced intention resign post due vocal cord polyp. lula rejected gil s first 2 attempts resign, accepted request in july 2008. lula said on occasion gil going being great artist, going giving priority important him.