The Umbela Brasil Inc story

Umbela has hosted and participated in decades of cultural exchanges, performances, and workshops between Australia and Brazil and also the USA, UK, Japan, Indonesia, and more.

In 2017 under the guidance of a new National set of Directors Umbela began to focus solely on professional development for artists and their connection to the roots of Samba.

During 2020 we created an online global class calendar to support Samba artists during lockdowns, and zoom exchanges with Brazil were quickly adopted.

In 2022 we were recognised as a national cultural organisation and charity and we launched our new memberships model in anticipation of creating the social and financial capital to support our amazing community into the future.

2023 Marks a period of rebuilding, reconnection, and consolidation, post-pandemic and with a renewed focus on using gatherings as tools for resilience, social cohesion, cultural capital, and support.

2023 - 24

Reconnecting

Marks a period of reflection, connection and rebranding.

Partnering with local Aboriginal organisations and other cultures to share our stories and celebrate our traditions.

2022

Online Zoom exchange handed over and now running sustainably by host community in Brazil.

Launched as National Charity and Cultural organisation

Hugely successful Pablo Guerreiro cultural exchange with artist paid a fair and living wage whilst he toured Australia

Reviewed and changed structure to reflect our national presence.

Farewelled and welcomed new Directors into our new organisation

2021

Rio De Janeiro, Salvador Bahia – Brasil | Auckland – New Zealand | Los Angeles – USA | Australia – SA, NT, NSW, VIC, WA, ACT and QLD

A full year online program of Silvestre Technique with participants from New Zealand, Australia, Unites States and Brazil. 5 Countries, 12 Cities and 30 people training online 1 time per week.
Seminars and talks with Novembro Corpo Negro (Bahia) e Musica Nas Communidades (Rio).
Commenced registration as a National Charitable Organisation and Cultural Organisation.
Community Membership survey on What Next.
Commenced planning for a documentary on how Samba Came to Australia (in partnership com the University of Newcastle PHD Program).
Festival da Bahia (organised by Director Mestre Val of Melbourne).
Cultural Exchange between Adelaide, Northern Territory and Brisbane (with Directors, Julio, Gianne, Sooz, Talita and Liz)..

2020

Rio De Janeiro, Salvador Bahia – Brasil | Auckland – New Zealand | Los Angeles – USA | Australia – SA, NT, NSW, VIC, WA, ACT and QLD

Ran online Zoom exchange March – December for Silvestre technique with particpants from New Zealand, Australia, USA and Brazil, 5 countries, 12 cities, 30 people training online 3 x per week.
Assisting La Bomba Cultural Tour of Rio de Janeiro
Co-hosted Mestre Badaro of Viver Brazil in Sydney explored online hosting and classes, and internships.
Ran online Zoom exchange March – December for Silvestre technique with particpants from New Zealand, Australia, USA and Brazil, 5 countries, 12 cities, 30 people training online 3 x per week.
Assisting La Bomba Cultural Tour of Rio de Janeiro
Worked with Uon Network Navigator for business model coaching and development.

2019

Rio De Janeiro | Los Angeles – USA | Australia – SA, NT, NSW and QLD

Exchange with International Samba Congress USA
Facilitating a talk on the future of samba
Commence creating archive of materials on on Samba and Community for cultural documentation
Teaching at Australian Samba Retreat in Adelaide (Nov)
Cultural Exchange with Matheus Oliverio, Mestre Sala da Mangueira
Hosting Vera Passos (international artist) for Australia Samba Congress)

2018

Rio De Janeiro | Los Angeles – USA | Australia – NSW

Exchange with International Samba Congress USA, presenting the short film ‘Sentimiento’.
Visit to Brasil to learn Gafiera
Volunteer artist coordinator for Australia Samba Congress
Afro Brazilian Congress, exchange with Rosangela Silvestre