Usina Viva Project Returns to Nova Friburgo with Free Culture and AI Programming
The Usina Viva project is set to return to Nova Friburgo, in the Serrana region of Rio de Janeiro, offering a free program of events from July 12 to December 12, 2026. This year's edition will focus on "Future and Artificial Intelligence," featuring cultural presentations, workshops, courses, lectures, and debates on the influence of new technologies on artistic creation and the training of cultural professionals. Activities will take place at venues such as the Usina Cultural Energisa and the Teatro Municipal Laércio Rangel Ventura. The program will also include initiatives for students and incorporate accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Artists and groups from various regions of the state will have the opportunity to participate through a public call for submissions, to be announced on the project's official channels. The initiative aims to promote the circulation of cultural productions and bolster the creative economy. Beyond performances, Usina Viva will offer training for artists and cultural producers, including a playwriting course, a lab for audiovisual project development, and support for emerging stage productions. Project cultural producer Guilherme Rezende Jr. emphasized the goal of fostering discussions on the responsible use of artificial intelligence, focusing on the ethics involved, transforming memory and territory into unique artistic languages, and promoting autonomy.
The previous edition in 2025, themed around Nova Friburgo's memory, attracted 4,796 participants over six months with musical performances, theater, workshops, film screenings, exhibitions, and debates. The "Cabine de Memórias" was a notable component, engaging 720 people. Fernando Costalonga, director-president of Energisa Minas Rio, highlighted the project's role in regional development through culture, education, and innovation. The organizers plan to release the program monthly, alongside calls for artistic presentations, film residencies, and regular playwriting courses.
The Usina Viva project's focus on "Future and Artificial Intelligence" in Nova Friburgo reflects a broader societal engagement with emerging technologies and their intersection with the arts. By offering free programming and training, the initiative aims to democratize access to cultural discourse and skill development, potentially fostering local innovation and creative economy growth. The emphasis on responsible AI use and ethical considerations within artistic creation suggests a proactive approach to navigating the complexities of automation and digital transformation in the cultural sector. This forward-looking perspective aligns with the increasing need for cultural practitioners to adapt to and critically engage with AI's evolving capabilities, ensuring that technological advancements serve to augment, rather than diminish, human creativity and cultural expression in the coming decade.
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