Brazil has launched a national training initiative to bolster digital culture and communication networks across the country’s six biomes. The project, implemented by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and the Ministry of Culture through the Secretariat for Artistic and Cultural Education, Books and Reading, aims to provide technical and practical training to approximately 4,000 participants to increase digital inclusion in diverse communities.
The training curriculum specifically incorporates discussions on artificial intelligence, a shift designed to ensure that modern technological tools are applied to support the unique local priorities and needs of each territory.
How the initiative functions
The program targets all six of Brazil’s natural biomes: the Amazon, Caatinga, Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, Pantanal, and Pampa. The initiative is being executed in partnership with universities across the nation’s five macro-regions.
The training process will begin in the second half of the year, following a regional schedule. Thirty community collectives and local projects will be selected to implement initiatives in their respective territories. This structure aims to move beyond the traditional focus on major cities including Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Curitiba, and Fortaleza, shifting the program’s reach into five smaller municipalities.
The significance of “digital biomes”
Fabiano Piuba, the Secretary for Artistic and Cultural Education, Books and Reading, stated that the project promotes the concepts of “cultural biomes” and “digital biomes,” strengthening the links between cultural policy, environmental awareness, and climate-related action.
The approach will help participants apply new technologies in ways that reflect the unique characteristics of each territory.
What comes next
The training will examine the role of digital environments in contemporary society, offering practical tools to support cultural production, community engagement, and innovation. The new cycle will combine face-to-face and remote learning to extend its reach across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate in the training?
The initiative targets cultural practitioners and communicators, with 30 community collectives and local projects selected to implement initiatives in their respective territories.
How does this program differ from previous editions?
Unlike previous editions, which centred on major cities including Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Curitiba, and Fortaleza, the new cycle will focus on five smaller municipalities, combining face-to-face and remote learning.
What is the goal of including artificial intelligence in the curriculum?
The inclusion of AI is intended to ensure that technological advances support the priorities and needs of local communities, allowing participants to apply tools that reflect the unique characteristics of each territory.
How do you think localized digital training will change the way communities share their cultural heritage?
