Little Africa is a place of singular grandeur, where culture, memory, and resistance intertwine in every path and every narrative that is renewed. This territory has become a stronghold of Afro-Brazilian heritage, serving as a key reference in shaping Brazilian identity. To enhance its visibility, the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) is launching the BNDES Little Africa Competition, both nationally and internationally. This is a historic opportunity for recognition and restitution, ensuring that the memory of the Brazilian people's formation is preserved and celebrated.
The competition aims to select the three best proposals for creating a visual identity for a Territory Museum. The proposals should integrate historical landmarks and significant routes through architectural, urban planning, landscaping, and urban furniture interventions. They should also promote a visual and sensory connection that highlights the presence of African and Afro-Brazilian culture in public spaces.
The three selected projects will receive awards totaling R$130,000. To participate, each team must be led by a Black architect and/or urban planner. The proposals will be evaluated by a multidisciplinary panel of experts in architecture and urban planning, Black culture, heritage, sociology, arts, and the creative economy. The awarding criteria consider the connection to local history, social impact, innovation, and the feasibility of each project.
