Seb Coe, Ruth Mackenzie and Brazilian cultural leaders and artists celebrate the announcement at the Grand Hall of the Visual Arts School of Parque Lage in Rio de Janeiro.The London 2012 Festival will present the best of contemporary Brazilian culture and creativity during the 12-week celebration from 21 June until 9 September.
As the culmination of the Cultural Olympiad, it will also create opportunities for Brazilian artists to collaborate and create relationships with established and emerging British artists.
The Brazil programme for the London 2012 Festival includes:
- Rio Occupation London – 30 artists from Rio de Janeiro will collaborate with London artists in the Rio Occupation London, an initiative of the Secretary of State for Culture of Rio de Janeiro. The list of artists already confirmed includes musicians, visual artists, playwrights, film makers, poets and actors.
- Carnival collaborations – A Rio-style float made in collaboration with Rio and featuring performers drawn from Rio, Hackney and London carnival groups will take part in the One Hackney Festival’s street parade to celebrate the arrival of the Olympic Flame on 21 July.
- Gilberto Gil and Back2Black – the first international edition of the arts festival will bring together over 30 Brazilian and international events presenting Brazilian black culture on the banks of the Thames.
- Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival – professional samba musicians from Rio will be invited to take part in a residency in Edinburgh as part of the annual festival.
- Grupo Galpão – an acclaimed carnival-themed production of Romeo and Juliet at Shakespeare’s Globe that will mix circus, music, dance and Brazilian folk culture.
'Shared vision'
London 2012 Organising Committee Chair Seb Coe said: 'The brilliance of these artists’ work for the London 2012 Festival illustrates the depth of the shared vision of London 2012 and Rio 2016 to build strong relationships through culture.
'People around the UK, in Brazil and right across the world will be able to enjoy the results of this vision during the London 2012 Festival, in the build up to Rio 2016 and beyond.'
Bringing the Olympic spirit to life
Adriana Rattes, the Secretary of State for Culture of Rio de Janeiro, said: 'The London 2012 Festival and Rio Occupation London will (...) create a platform on the world stage for the best work of artists emerging in Rio, bringing to life the Olympic spirit through our artists and creating a legacy for Rio 2016.'
Ruth Mackenzie, Director of Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 Festival said: “Thanks to Adriana Rattes and (Municipal Secretary of State) Emilio Kalil and our partners in the UK, the London 2012 Festival provides a great platform to showcase Brazil’s cultural and creative talent, delighting and inspiring audiences in London, across the UK and around the world.'
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