Projects can be from architectural solutions and mobility strategies to cultural, educational and technological narratives
The Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social – BNDES (National Bank for Economic and Social Development) launched, on March 21 – International Day of the fight for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination – the call of the Pequena África contest (Small Africa), during an event held in Rio de Janeiro.
The event was attended by ministers Anielle Franco (racial equality), Margareth Menezes (Culture), Macaé Evaristo (human rights and citizenship), as well as federal deputy Benedita da Silva. Also present were the president of the Palmares Foundation, João Jorge Rodrigues dos Santos, and Marcelo Freixo, president of and Embratur, among other authorities.
The initiative will select three proposals for the creation of a visual identity for a Museu de Território (Territory Museum) – a cultural institution aimed at valuing and preserving the heritage of a region. Proposals must integrate historical landmarks and significant paths through interventions of architecture, urbanism, landscaping and urban furniture.
Architecture in Pequena África (Little Africa)
The announcement is part of the structuring project of the Distrito Cultural Pequena África (Little Africa Cultural District), coordinated by the Consórcio Valongo Patrimônio Vivo (Valongo Vivo Consortium).
Its purpose is to gather proposals for urban interventions for the region, prepared by teams led by black architects and/or urban planners. Proposals for urban improvement should include spaces of great relevance to Afro-Brazilian cultural identity and African heritage, composing the so-called Distrito Cultural Pequena África (Little Africa Cultural District). The idea is that it works like an open-air museum.
The proposal aims to stimulate the formation of multidisciplinary teams, allowing the participation of professionals from various areas, such as archeology, visual communication, education, design and history.
According to BNDES, the contest aims to build a new policy repertoire in an international context, recognizing the historical legacy of the Cais do Valongo (Valongo Pier) and the Pequena África.
Pequena África: resistance symbol
Coluna da Neuza was present at the launch and closely followed the speeches of Minister Anielle Franco and Mrs Benedita da Silva.
“We can realize today and take another step in this dream we had back there – a struggle that portrays the memory, strength and resistance of our people – is a source of great pride”, said Minister of Racial Equality, Anielle Franco.
Deputy Benedita da Silva stressed the importance of preserving the memory of past events, especially those that marked the history of the black people in Brazil. “We are hand in hand to the rescue, not only historical, but also the rescue of the morals we deserve to have. Because we came to the slave ships. In fact, we came not: enslaved and brought ourselves to force. And without having where to live, we went to the slums!”
“The black community is majority for this. In my opinion, BNDES is revolutionizing when it recognizes the history of a poor people, but a people worthy of attention,” she said.
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Registration for the announcement will be open until 11:59 pm on May 15th and will accept individual or collective proposals, provided they are connected with the reality and local culture.
The awards will be distributed thus:
- First place: R$ 78 thousand (seventy-eight thousand reais).
- Second place: R$ 39 thousand (thirty-nine thousand reais).
- Third place: R$ 13 thousand (thirteen thousand reais).
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