Rio de Janeiro
About the Creative City:
Rio de Janeiro joins the UCCN with a belief in literature’s potential as a catalyst for sociocultural development at local, national, and international levels. The city sees literature as a powerful tool to address inequalities and enhance the quality of life, particularly for young people in socially complex areas, where libraries serve as gateways to cultural citizenship.
Numerous cultural industries, including Carnival samba school parades, draw inspiration from literary works, reflecting in music, theatre, and neighbourhood cultural life. Rio de Janeiro’s approach to literature involves identifying development opportunities and tackling challenges creatively. Programmes promoting reading, literary-driven pacification projects, and the recognition of local artists are integral elements of this strategy.
Overcoming challenges, such as limited access to quality education and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, is a priority. Essential to this effort is investment in libraries, reading spaces, and the training of cultural agents and mediators. Ultimately, Rio de Janeiro aims to harness the full potential of literature to drive sustainable urban development.
The book sector significantly contributes to Rio de Janeiro’s economy, with the metropolitan region accounting for 14% of national book sales, totalling 7.95 million units and generating a turnover of 66.2 million USD in 2022. The city hosts major publishers like Grupo Gen, Globo, Record, Rocco, and Sextante. Of the 214 bookstores in the state of Rio de Janeiro, 146 are in the city, which is also home to 125 publishers associated with the National Union of Book Editors (SNEL). Aligned with the City Hall’s objectives, SNEL works towards making books more accessible to Brazilian citizens, emphasizing diversity and sustainability in preserving bibliodiversity.
Added Value:
As a Creative City of Literature, Rio de Janeiro is dedicated:
To modernize libraries and reading spaces, fostering growth in the literature sector;
To annually initiate initiatives and programmes promoting literature; and
To facilitate local, national, and international exchange of experiences, knowledge, and good practices in the field of literature.
