Olympics culture program to place Brazil's diversity in limelight
APO President Marcelo Pedroso said the idea is to use culture as a a strategic tool for Brazil to take its place in the global scene during the games
A celebration of Brazil's diversity through music, dance, drama, visual arts, circus-related activities and more is expected to fill the culture program for the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, launched Thursday (May 4) in Rio de Janeiro by the Ministry of Culture.
The initiative was created by the Ministry of Culture with the support of the Rio 2016 Committee and the Olympic Public Authority (APO), and should encompass two thousand free shows and activities in 80 venues, with 10 thousand artists from all Brazilian states.
APO President Marcelo Pedroso said the idea is to use culture as a a strategic tool for Brazil to take its place in the global scene during the games. He noted that the plan makes clear the cultural diversity of the Brazilian people, “which is no doubt our biggest treasure.”
Culture Minister Juca Ferreira believes this is a joyous moment. “The joint efforts must be given its due importance, because Brazil's currently going through a moment in which it's been questioning everything.” He says the Olympic Games will draw some 5 billion spectators worldwide. “The program will give the Olympic Games its identity, strength and support in inconceivable dimensions. It will be a chance for Brazil to reassert itself.”
Sports Minister Ricardo Leyser noted that unlike other parts of the world, Brazil has a strong, modern agenda of tolerance, cultural and religious diversity, inclusion, and of making a country out of people with diverse backgrounds and profiles. “And there's nothing like the Olympics to show our civilizing values.”
The program includes several events, such as the Festival of Indigenous Cultures, and the Popular Culture Festival, featuring groups from different locations. “Our purpose is to tap Rio's potential for festivities. This is also part of our culture and deserves a place in this calendar of activities,” said Adriano De Angelis, who coordinates the Ministry of Culture's Executive Committee on the Olympic Games. He said that the two events are an opportunity to showcase Brazil's bustling, diverse carnival celebrations, especially street festivities.
Also taking place is a special edition of the Brazilian Contemporary Music Biennial, with live chamber, orchestra, and opera music performances. “This is another exciting event that will show that Brazil's music scene ranges from the funk carioca to the symphonic orchestra, with compelling performances,” said De Angelis. The program will be complete with performances by important theater groups and electronic music festivals with a line-up of 27 DJs, one from each Brazilian state.
According to De Angelis, the federal government aims to enhance Brazil's profile as a cultural, tourism, sports, and business destination.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira / Mayra Borges
Fonte: Olympics culture program to place Brazil's diversity in limelight
