Output details

Favela to the World II (2008-2012)

Abstract

Second project of a six-year programme of performance/workshops/training/publications related to the social technologies of arts-based initiatives in favelas and peripheral communities in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Project includes: Together Apart (2009-10); Cultural Warriors (2009-12), AfroReggae Residencies at Southbank Centre and Liverpool/Everyman Theatres (2010).

Research Imperative

To investigate transfer of knowledge from arts-based initiatives in peripheral communities in Rio de Janeiro to diverse UK contexts.

Research Outputs and Impact:

Cultural Warriors: three-year youth leadership programme created by Heritage/People’s Palace Projects in association with AfroReggae/Contact Theatre/Sage Gateshead/Playing On/Southbank Centre/Theatre Royal Stratford East. Investigation of how young artists can bring about positive change in their own communities and the lives of their peers. Documentation includes: evaluation report for Paul Hamlyn Foundation and AV archives in public domain.

Together Apart: performance/workshop collaboration with Bad Taste Cru/AfroReggae – working from young artists' experiences of social violence in Rio de Janeiro and Omagh, Northern Ireland. 2009-10: Public performances in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Newcastle. DVD of performances, plus evaluation report for Arts Council England.

Residencies: London and Liverpool 2010. Southbank Centre: three-days of performances, workshops, debates, lectures, film showings for large-scale audiences in Purcell Rooms, Queen Elizabeth and Royal Festival Halls plus SBC outdoor terraces. Archive includes 20’ documentary on Southbank Centre weekend-takeover. Liverpool Everyman/Playhouse: four-week residency working with over 1,000 young people (13-19) at risk of involvement in gun/gang crime. Outputs include workshops/performances and public festival. Independent evaluation commissioned by Liverpool Primary Care Trust.

Engagement with Wider Research Communities includes: Keynote speeches at:

Antidote: International Conference on Cultural Actions in Conflict Zones, Centro Cultural Itaú, São Paulo, May 2010.

Sport, Education and Culture: Conference Promoting Health, Wellbeing and Positive Identity for Young People, Barbican Centre, London, November 2009.

3rd World Congress of Cultural Psychiatry on Young People and Well-being, QMUL, March 2012.