Bloco de Carnaval Ĺtautahi – organised through Gap Filler sponsored by Fletcher Living
Challenge
How can a cultural event become a meaningful process of community participation rather than a one-day celebration? Artecture was commissioned through Gap Filler, with sponsorship from Fletcher Living, to design an initiative that would strengthen social connection, encourage intercultural understanding and create opportunities for active community participation.
Approach
Rather than focusing solely on the final event, Artecture designed a participatory programme that engaged people throughout the creative process. Seventeen workshops explored Brazilian carnival traditions through percussion, costume making, large-scale puppet construction, decoration and collaborative art. Each activity was designed to encourage learning, creativity and relationship-building while welcoming participants from diverse cultural backgrounds. Sustainability was embedded throughout the project, influencing both the creative process and material choices.
Outcome
The programme culminated in two public community events that celebrated the relationships built during the workshops. Participants developed new skills, formed lasting social connections and gained a deeper appreciation of different cultures through shared creative experiences. The project demonstrated how participatory cultural programmes can strengthen community cohesion, increase inclusion and transform public spaces into places of collaboration and belonging.
Workshops
