Braga’s Mayor Champions Cultural Development

Braga, a vibrant city in Portugal, is gaining attention for its cultural initiatives thanks to its mayor, Ricardo Rio. Elected in 2013, Rio has been pushing for culture to be recognized as a key part of sustainable development.

This July, Braga hosted the 20th anniversary meeting of the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Network, or UCCN, which emphasized the importance of culture in local development. The gathering resulted in a new manifesto to advocate for culture as a standalone goal in the post-2030 sustainable development agenda.

Rio passionately believes that political commitment is critical for integrating culture into local policies. He and other leaders are calling on global organizations, like the United Nations, to prioritize culture in their agendas.

During the conference, UNESCO Assistant Secretary General Ernesto Ottone highlighted the role of culture as a driver for sustainable development while Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel praised Braga’s rich cultural landscape, reminding everyone of the city’s historical significance.

Braga has been investing significantly in cultural infrastructure and preserving its history, which includes over 2,000 years of heritage. The city’s charming, pedestrian-friendly center enriches both local life and tourism.

Nevertheless, not everyone in the arts community feels the benefits. Young violinist Rui Pedro Magalhães expressed concern about the lack of funding for musicians in Braga, indicating a disconnect between government initiatives and the local artistic scene.

Rio acknowledges the challenges but is determined to ensure that all artists, including musicians, feel included in Braga’s rich cultural fabric. He’s particularly focused on engagement and participation among citizens and artists to ensure that nobody feels left out.

Under Rio’s leadership, Braga has taken on the role of nurturing youth involvement in culture, being named 2016 Ibero-American Youth Capital. This year, Braga’s Youth Centre also joined the network of youth centers recognized by the Council of Europe.

Jordi Pascual, an influential figure in cultural policy, supports Rio’s vision and acknowledges the transformative power of culture. He believes the city is on the right track to engage its community in creative endeavors.

Braga aims to bridge various cultural sectors, mixing arts with gastronomy, film, and literature. Rio’s mission is to foster connections among different artistic disciplines and to involve more cities in these cultural dialogues.