Artecture

Cultural Preservation | Community Building | Intercultural Exchange

Tupinikeen Samba Club was established in Ōtautahi Christchurch following a community initiative that brought together people interested in learning and experiencing traditional Brazilian samba. The group emerged when local musicians and community members approached Ricardo Stuani, musician, educator and PhD in Music from the University of Canterbury, with the desire to create a space dedicated to the practice and sharing of samba.

Rooted in Afro-Brazilian traditions, samba has historically functioned as more than a musical genre. Emerging from Black Brazilian communities, it developed as a collective cultural practice where music, dance, storytelling and social gathering became tools for cultural preservation, resistance, belonging and community organisation. Samba’s traditions are deeply connected to participation, where everyone is invited to contribute through singing, dancing, playing instruments or simply being part of the collective experience.

This participatory and democratic nature remains central to Tupinikeen’s approach. Rather than focusing solely on performance, the group creates opportunities for people from diverse cultural backgrounds to learn, engage and connect through shared musical experiences.

Through rehearsals, workshops, public performances and community events, Tupinikeen contributes to the cultural life of Christchurch by creating spaces where Brazilian cultural heritage can be experienced, celebrated and shared with the wider community.

The project fosters intercultural understanding, social connection and collective participation while strengthening Christchurch’s cultural diversity.

Community Impact

• Creates accessible pathways for participation regardless of musical background.
• Promotes intercultural exchange through shared cultural experiences.
• Strengthens community connections and social belonging.
• Preserves and shares Afro-Brazilian cultural traditions.
• Supports cultural diversity within Christchurch’s creative landscape.
• Builds ongoing social networks through collective music-making.

My Role

Community Engagement, Event Development and Host

• Community outreach and relationship building.
• Event planning and coordination.
• Public engagement and hosting.
• Promotion and communications.
• Partnership development.
• Supporting opportunities for cultural exchange and community participation.