Barracca Zem Transitions Leadership, Prioritizing Community and the Arts
A beloved cultural hub is entering a new era as its founding leaders step down, entrusting the space to a collective committed to its core values of accessibility, artistic expression, and neighborhood engagement.
After 17 years at the helm of Barracca Zem, Cécile and Tonino, of the Brazil Afro Funk collective, are passing the baton to the 9h36 collective, specialists in improvisation theater. “As soon as we arrived, we wanted to create an open place for all families in the neighborhood, a place where we can learn and share together,” explained Cécile.
The transition marks a continuation of Barracca Zem’s unique approach to arts and culture, one deeply rooted in community involvement. The venue has always been more than just a performance space. It’s an intimate theater where a close connection between artists and audience is paramount. Leaders actively sought input from residents, going “to the school gates and knocking on neighbors’ doors to find out what they would like to see here,” according to one of the departing leaders. This dedication aimed to replicate the spirit of Brazilian cultural centers, where culture is an integral part of daily life. Some community members shared that they likely would have never attended a theatrical performance had Barracca Zem not proactively reached out.
The outgoing leadership expressed confidence in the incoming team. “We are happy to hand over to people who share our values and have bright eyes for this project,” Cécile confided.
The 9h36 collective is already familiar with Barracca Zem, having frequently performed at the venue. “We loved coming to play here, because there is a special connection with the public and a real spotlight on local artists,” stated Corentin, a representative of the collective. Their vision aligns with the established ethos, emphasizing social impact, ecological commitment, and solidarity. The collective plans to build upon existing family programming while introducing adult shows on Fridays and Saturdays. Workshops will also continue, with a planned reorganization to enhance their offerings.
The first official event under the new leadership will be a takeover of the premises on January 10, followed by an improvisation course during the Easter holidays. The collective also intends to celebrate its 5th anniversary in the fall, emphasizing that the celebration “cannot be done without the neighborhood.”
This leadership transition signals a promising future for Barracca Zem, ensuring its continued role as a vibrant and inclusive cultural cornerstone for the community.
