This study investigated how to develop sustainable projects in the cultural field within the Santa Marta community. The analysis focused on projects carried out since the 1980s, examining the challenges faced, management practices adopted, the perspectives of cultural producers and participants, the impacts generated, and the project structures. The main objective was to understand how cultural projects can become sustainable by offering ideas and solutions to ensure the continuity of their activities. The research was conducted through 20 interviews with organizers, participants, and former participants of the projects. The results revealed financial difficulties, a lack of management knowledge and social entrepreneurship among cultural producers, as well as a scarcity of investments in public policies for culture in the favelas. The information obtained in this study can be valuable for other communities that develop cultural projects or receive external initiatives. The aim is to assist cultural producers in understanding the various aspects involved in project management, in order to prevent potential closure or weakening of cultural projects in the favelas. In this way, the goal is to preserve the transformative process in the lives of residents, ensuring the continuity and positive impact of these initiatives.