On Monday (October 19th), the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI) inaugurated CEBRI Cultural, a new division dedicated to culture. The cocktail reception brought together representatives from the diplomatic corps, academia, the business sector, the press, the arts, and Rio de Janeiro society at the institution’s headquarters in Gávea.

As it approaches its one-year anniversary at its current location, CEBRI is expanding its scope of activity with the creation of CEBRI Cultural — an initiative that fosters new connections between culture, knowledge, and international relations. During the opening of the event, José Pio Borges, Chairman of CEBRI’s Board of Trustees, highlighted the development of the institution’s cultural pillar and its connection to Brazil’s international standing.

“This initiative continues the work of the culture division, which was launched by Ambassador Marcos Azambuja and Evangelina Seiler. Over the course of two years, they held various meetings based on the principle that culture serves as a form of ‘soft power’ and an affirmation of our national identity — and is, therefore, essential for Brazil’s greater integration into the world,” stated Pio Borges.

Hugo Barreto, CEBRI’s International Advisory Board Member for Culture, also highlighted the new hub’s potential to integrate into the city’s cultural circuit. According to him, the space joins other significant cultural institutions and facilities in the region — such as the Instituto Moreira Salles, Casa das Garças, and PUC-Rio, as well as various cinemas and art galleries. The CEBRI Cultural initiative is supported by its partners, Itaú and BOCOM BBM Bank.

The inaugural program brings together works by Cláudia Jaguaribe and Raul Mourão. The exhibition *As Bárbaras* (The Barbarians), by Cláudia Jaguaribe, presents depictions of 40 women from the 16th to the 20th centuries, created through photography, collage, and artificial intelligence. In the venue’s gardens, Raul Mourão presents three Corten steel sculptures that integrate into the landscape, transforming the space into an open-air gallery.The inaugural program brings together works by Cláudia Jaguaribe and Raul Mourão.

The exhibition *As Bárbaras*, by Cláudia Jaguaribe, presents depictions of 40 women from the 16th to the 20th centuries, created through photography, collage, and artificial intelligence. In the venue’s gardens, Raul Mourão presents three Corten steel sculptures that integrate into the landscape, transforming the space into an open-air gallery.

The public can view these works starting October 22; admission is free. Visiting hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Groups may schedule visits by calling or messaging via WhatsApp at (21) 97100-5855.

In the venue’s gardens, Raul Mourão presents three Corten steel sculptures that integrate into the landscape, transforming the space into an open-air gallery. The works establish a dialogue between geometric and organic forms, interacting with the natural environment.

During the launch, CEBRI’s CEO, Julia Dias Leite, announced upcoming projects planned for CEBRI Cultural. Among them is the installation of stained-glass windows designed by artist Vik Muniz in the historic chapel located next to the institution’s headquarters.

The project is currently in the fundraising phase. Another planned initiative is a project dedicated to the memory of Brazilian diplomacy, focusing on the historical, cultural, and humanistic legacy of the country’s foreign policy. The proposal involves gathering testimonies from diplomats who played key roles in major Brazilian foreign policy decisions over the last six decades.

“The culture division will always be in dialogue with our international relations agenda, which is our DNA,” stated Julia Dias Leite.