The Pontão (regional culture hub) “Moinho Cultural Unindo os Pontos” kicked off on Friday, April 4, the event “Diálogos Transfronteiriços” (Cross-Border Dialogues), in Corumbá, bringing together representatives of cultural institutions, educators, authorities and artists in a program focused on social integration, education and culture in the border regions between Brazil and Bolivia.
Held at the headquarters of Moinho Cultural, the event featured conversation circles, artistic performances and the official launch of the pro-creation committee for the Universidade Federal do Pantanal (UFPantanal). The proposal seeks to expand access to higher education in one of the most culturally diverse regions, yet historically neglected by public policy.
One of the highlights was the audience’s meeting with the consultant of the Organização de Estados Ibero-Americanos (OEI), Ricardo Almeida, who spoke about the preservation of cultural traditions in border countries. “This meeting is not just to gather information, but to recognize and amplify the knowledge of those who live on the border every day”, says Ricardo.
Next, the Moinho auditorium hosted the launch of the pro-UFPantanal committee, with the presence of the representative of the Ministry of Culture, Sebastião José Soares.
Closing Friday’s program, the group Bossa Livre moved the audience with a performance in the inner courtyard of Moinho Cultural, as part of the “Diálogos Musicais Ibermúsicas” project. The quartet presented a repertoire blending bossa nova, jazz and Iberian influences, promoting a true celebration of Lusophone cultural integration.
In addition to the musical performance, the closing also featured a local crafts fair, where artisans from the region displayed and sold pieces reflecting the cultural identity of the border. The space drew the audience’s attention, valuing regional artistic production and strengthening ties with the community.
The program continued on Saturday night, the 5th, with a free concert open to the public at Casa de Memória Beneficência Portuguesa. The performance was by the Orquestra de Câmara do Pantanal (Pantanal Chamber Orchestra) (CAMP), formed by young people served by Moinho Cultural, alongside Portuguese musician Norberto Cruz.
The concert promoted an unprecedented meeting between European baroque music and South American music, strengthening cultural ties between the two continents.
