Collectives
The collectives at Casa Amarela are the heart of our community’s creative and social movement. Each one—Colerê, Santo-Skate, Luna Orchestra, and the Women’s Group—was born from a shared desire to empower, educate, and celebrate Afro-Brazilian identity through art, movement, and collaboration. From dance and music to skateboarding and women’s entrepreneurship, these collectives create spaces where joy meets purpose and culture drives transformation. Together, they embody Casa Amarela’s mission to turn creativity into collective power and community resilience.
Colerê
Founded in 2017, the collective grew from Afro dance classes designed to reconnect children with Afro-centric culture and counter racism. Over time, it evolved into a platform that uses performance to spark dialogue, deepen political and social awareness, and provide a safe space for youth to embrace their identities.
Santo Skate
Skateboarding became part of Casa Amarela’s educational programming in 2019, but the absence of a dedicated practice space sparked a bold vision: building the first skatepark at the top of a favela. In 2022, Casa Amarela partnered with the Santo Skate project to create the Santo Skate Park, providing local youth and residents with quality sports infrastructure, learning opportunities, and a vibrant space for leisure. Now one of our most popular initiatives, the park not only fosters creativity and resilience through skateboarding but also hosts cultural events and complements literacy and tutoring programs, reflecting our commitment to holistic development.
Luna Orchestra
Founded in 2017, Luna Orchestra is the first violin chamber group of its kind in Morro da Providência, composed entirely of students from Casa Amarela. Rooted in a vision of music as essential as language or science, the program develops both musical skill and human values, fostering unity and resilience in the face of racism, sexism, homophobia, and classism. In recent years, the orchestra has gained recognition through standout performances at the Black November Festival, Copacabana Palace, and the Social Orchestras Festivals at the Municipal Theater of Rio de Janeiro.
The Women’s Group
Formed in 2021 with support from the L’Oréal “Fund for Women,” the MIP collective began with 12 women and has since grown to empower more than 140 graduates. Through professional training, literacy classes, and entrepreneurship programs, participants transform their passions into sustainable careers while strengthening the community’s economic fabric. Skills in beauty, crafts, and cooking not only open pathways to paid work but also improve personal well-being and quality of life.