Rio de Janeiro announces R$ 23 million for Pequena África cultural district

The BNDES and the Rio de Janeiro City Hall have announced an initial investment of R$ 23 million to develop the Pequena África Cultural District in the city's port area. The project is part of the Valongo Initiative, which aims to revitalize the historic territory associated with Afro-Brazilian culture and memory.

The plan includes the requalification of Praça dos Estivadores, receiving R$ 2 million for improvements such as new landscaping, lighting, shade structures, and pedestrian-focused infrastructure. The square is intended to host community activities, fairs, and artistic performances.

Additionally, the initiative outlines the creation of three major cultural facilities: the Machado de Assis Library, with an estimated R$ 8 million investment focused on Afro-Brazilian literature; the Conservatório da Música Preta Brasileira, also estimated at R$ 8 million; and a facility called 'A Fábrica', projected at R$ 5 million to provide technical training and commercial support for local entrepreneurs. While the square's renovation is set to begin, the funding for the three cultural centers will depend on further public and private resource mobilization.