Founded in 2022 in Naarm/Melbourne by Luara Brandao, INBRAZA was created to address a gap in Australia's cultural landscape: the lack of authentic representation of Baile Funk and Afro-Latin diasporic cultural movements.
What began as a community-led event series has evolved into a nationally recognised cultural platform operating across festivals, touring programs, artist development initiatives, and international collaborations.
Today, INBRAZA connects artists, communities, and audiences across Australia and beyond while creating pathways for the next generation
of culturally diverse creatives.
OUR MISSION
To create pathways for artists, strengthen cultural exchange, and expand the presence of Baile Funk & Afro-Latin culture within Australia's creative industries and beyond.
WHAT WE DO
Festival Programming
Creating large-scale cultural experiences across festivals and institutions.
Artist Development
Supporting emerging Australian talent through mentorship, industry pathways, and professional development.
Cultural Exchange
Connecting Australia with global creative communities through international collaborations and touring projects.
Community Engagement
Creating spaces for dialogue, education, and cultural participation through talks, workshops, and community initiatives.
OUR VALUES
Community First
We believe culture is built collectively.
Joy Is Political
Celebration can be a form of resistance.
Cultural Integrity
We honour the histories, communities, and movements that shape our work.
Access & Opportunity
We create pathways for artists who have historically been excluded from mainstream spaces.
Global Exchange
We believe meaningful cultural exchange strengthens communities and creates new possibilities.
PRESS
A Word From the Founder
"I was born and raised in Espírito Santo, Brazil, where Baile Funk was more than music, it was the soundtrack of everyday life. Growing up, I witnessed both the power of the movement and the stigma attached to it. Like many young people from peripheral communities, I saw firsthand how cultural expression was often misunderstood, marginalised, and criminalised.
After moving to Australia, I began to see Baile Funk through a different lens. What I once viewed simply as music revealed itself as something much bigger: a powerful form of cultural resistance, community building, and identity.
In 2022, I founded INBRAZA with a simple vision: to create the space I wished existed when I was growing up. Today, INBRAZA operates as a platform for cultural exchange, artist development, and community connection, creating opportunities for emerging artists while building bridges between Australia, Brazil, and the wider diaspora.
At its core, INBRAZA is about belonging. It's about creating spaces where people can see themselves reflected, feel connected to their roots, and experience the transformative power of culture through music, movement, and community."
Luara Brandao, founder & cultural director
