Ōtautahi Bloco de Carnaval (2024–2026)
Challenge
How can a cultural celebration become a long-term programme that strengthens community participation, intercultural understanding and neighbourhood connections rather than a single annual event?
Approach
Artecture designed and led a multi-year community participation programme in partnership with Gap Filler and supported by Fletcher Living. The initiative combined public events with a series of participatory workshops where community members explored Brazilian carnival traditions through percussion, dance, costume making, puppet construction, visual arts and collaborative creative activities. By involving participants throughout the process, the programme transformed cultural celebration into an ongoing opportunity for learning, relationship-building and shared ownership.
Outcome
Across three years, the programme engaged hundreds of participants through workshops, rehearsals and public celebrations, creating accessible pathways for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds to participate. It strengthened social connections, increased intercultural understanding, celebrated cultural diversity and demonstrated how creative participation can activate public spaces while building stronger, more connected communities.
Key Capabilities
- Human-centred community engagement
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Cultural programming
- Participatory workshop design
- Community activation
- Intercultural engagement
- Partnership development
- Project leadership
