One of the missions of the CCBC is to promote cultural exchange between Brazil and Canada. Canadian society stands out on the international scene because of the high degree of multiculturalism, acceptance of cultural contributions from all continents, and strong commitment to diversity. Common point with the Brazilian society that, although it has had a very different trajectory, is also strongly marked by a rich and diverse culture, with a wide acceptance of the differences.

Brazil, in the same way, has great interference from many peoples in its cultural formation. At different stages of its history, there were several migratory flows of nations from Europe, Africa and Asia. More recently, economic and social problems in other countries, including Latin American neighbors, have motivated the arrival of thousands of refugees. The legacy of the presence of foreigners can be seen in various aspects of the Brazilian culture, gastronomy and way of life.

In music and art, the Brazilian contribution is known worldwide by movements such as Bossa Nova and rhythms such as samba. Among the most respected names in the music scene are composers and singers Vinícius de Moraes and Tom Jobim. Besides them, Sergio Mendes, Max Cavalera, from the group Sepultura, and Anitta are known for very different styles. In the literature, Paulo Coelho’s books have been best sellers for decades. Actors such as Sônia Braga, Rodrigo Santoro, Wagner Moura and Alice Braga represent the national talent on the screen, along with directors such as Walter Salles and José Padilha. The photographer Sebastião Salgado and the artist Romero Britto still illustrate the diversity and breadth of the Brazilian cultural scene.

On the Canadian side, some of the most impressive representatives of art in the world are the writers Alice Munro (who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2013), Michael Ondaatje (The English Patient, later adapted for the cinema) and Margaret Altwood (who recently had her books Alias ​​Grace and The Handmaid’s Tale transformed into the TV series Alias ​​Grace and The Handmaid’s Tale, respectively).