Project Development

	A2 Arts Summer School - Carnival Costume Workshop. August 2004

The Samba Xchange Project has undergone many developments since it began and 2006 will be a year of big changes for all those involved.

In May 2005 Iara Gomez from Mangueira School of Samba and Edson Marinho from Estacio came on an exploratory trip to London to meet members of Samba Zona Sul and to discuss their hopes and aspirations for the project.

During the week they were here they met with representatives from Creative Partnerships at the Arts Council head office. Attended Paraiso and Samba Zona Sul Rehearsals. They also had a chance to see the local community in which the young people from Rio will be staying during their visit.

They were both very excited about the project and prospects for the future.

Iara and Marinho will receive the vistors from London in October 2006

Paraiso School of Samba is planning to set up a dance project for residents in Greenwich and the partnership between Samba Zona Sul and Paraiso will require long term financial support once Creative Partnerships funding has finished.

Jay Alvarez visited Rio de Janeiro in October 2004 to undertake an exploratory visit to ensure that a realistic programme is set up for the participants from Samba Zona Sul and to strengthen relationships with our partner groups there.

Suggested events which might feature on the Rio itinerary include:

	A day at Jenny Gomes School with activities planned around exchange but including classroom visits and lunchtime. Children will arrive around 10.30 and leave around 5pm
	An evening of Afro Dance and Percussion workshops at Centro Cultural Boniface
	Visit to MAM – The Modern Art Museum
	Visit to Museu do Índio – a museum exploring Brazil's indigenous Indian Heritage.
	Visit to Casa do Pontal at Recreio - a museum exploring Brazil's Popular arts
	Visit to Maracana Football stadium
	Visit to the Sambodromo and the Museum of Carnival.
	Visit to Mangueira Samba School on their rehearsal night – a late night!
	Visit to Centro Cultural de Mangueira – the museum
	Visit to Barracão de Samba  - These are the enormous warehouses where the carnival floats and costumes are made. The group will visit Mangueira and other schools.
	Visit and participation in Estacio de Sa Samba School on rehearsal night. Partipation in Nova Geracao at Estacio – a Bateria rehearsal just for the kids of Estacio.
	An evening of Capoeira An evening of Jongo Football match at Maracana Stadium.
	Partipation in an Abaomi Workshop – Abaomi are a kind of doll or puppet made of cloth famous in Brazil which the children will enjoy making.
	Visit to Igreja da Pena Church. A church high on a hill famous for the promises that worshippers make and for which they pay in various and interesting ways.
	An evening of Candomble – A presentation of Candomble and its significance to Brazilian Culture. Demonstrating the elements of Candomble in a format appropriate for UK children.
	Trip to Pao De Azucar – going up the cable car then a short stay at Praia Vermelha.
	Trip to Corcovado – Statue of Christ the Redeemer. This will commence with a trip through Santa Teresa on the famous Bonde Tram and then on the small train which leads to the Statue.
	Trip around the Orla Maritima – the whole coastline around Rio de Janeiro - taking in Copacabana, Ipanema, Guanabara Bay, Barra and Recreio.
	Trip to National Park – Tijuca in the heart of Rio.
	Morning at Arpoador Beach near Copacabana. An opportunity to witness beach life in Rio.
	Trip to nearby Region dos Lagos – This will be a one day trip to either Cabo Frio or Buzios. Both are places where the children can swim, snorkel and relax on the beautiful beaches.
	Shopping trip to Sahara – a labyrinth of streets containing anything you can imagine to buy. A world of brazilian pound shops!
	A Final social day, party and barbaque – All the kids,  teachers and adults participate in a day of eating, playing games and banging drums at Estacio de Sa Samba School.

This page will continue to be updated so please come back for project news.

Please follow the links on the left for more information.