Culture Politick

The Southbank Centre – in partnership with ‘the world’s local bank’, HSBC – has announced Festival Brazil, which is set to be one of the centre’s most elaborate programmes to date. The summer festival will run site-wide and straight through from June to September 2010. Events will showcase Brazillian culture and art via both internationally renowned Brazilian names – such as pioneer of world music and one-time Brazillian minister for culture Gilberto Gil – and the talents of London-based Brazillians; and through the mediums of literature; art; music; theatre; dance; food; cocktails…

You can watch a great video report care of BBC London HERE, and read the Guardian’s coverage of the ‘summer-long explosion of light, colour and samba beats’ HERE.

Jude Kelly, Artistic Director of the Southbank Centre, has said:

‘… Brazil is one of the most exciting countries on earth. Our aim is to find what is at the heart of Brazilian culture today… and what is behind the quiet revolution of the last 20 years. We share HSBC’s commitment to cultural exchange and furthering knowledge of different cultures… At a time when London and Rio de Janeiro are both Olympic cities, it’s also an opportunity to share ideas and plans.’

The Southbank Centre’s Festival Brazil page is HERE.

Stephen Green, Group Chairman of HSBC Holdings plc, said:

‘This year the focus [of the bank's 'Cultural Exchange'] is Brazil, which has proven its economic resilience in the face of the worldwide financial crisis and will be the subject of intense, global interest as the host for both the 2014 Football World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.

‘At the centre of our programme of international events and partnerships will be HSBC’s sponsorship of Festival Brazil at Southbank Centre, a four month celebration of the vibrancy and excitement of modern Brazil. Cultural Exchange… reflects our belief that by understanding a country’s culture, stronger international business relationships can be built.’

You can read more about Cultural Exchange HERE.