Committed to contributing to the preservation of historic Brazilian buildings, the project will enhance the monument's façade and generate energy savings of up to 70% with more efficient light bulbs.

Keeper of a valuable collection related to prehistory, paleontology and the history of the city of Mossoró, in Rio Grande do Norte, the Lauro da Escóssia Historical Museum received new lighting on Monday (24). The Neoenergia Institute made it possible to install projectors with more efficient light bulbs which, as well as enhancing the monument's façade, will generate energy savings of up to 70%. The initiative is part of the Cultural Lighting Program, promoted by the Neoenergia Institute, which this year reaches its eighth edition in partnership with Mossoró City Hall and the municipal departments of Culture and Education.

Launched by the Neoenergia Institute in 2015, the Cultural Lighting Program aims to contribute to the conservation and preservation of the country's emblematic buildings, enhancing their historical legacy. By installing new LED lighting, the project also helps to stimulate socio-economic development and sustainable tourism, especially in the regions where Neoenergia is present. In Rio Grande do Norte, the company serves around 1.6 million customers in the state's 167 municipalities through the distributor Neoenergia Cosern.

During the inauguration event, around 500 people followed the artistic interventions led by the community and local artists. Present were cultural leaders and authorities, students from public schools taking part in the heritage education action promoted by the initiative and representatives from Iberdrola, Neoenergia Cosern and the Neoenergia Institute.

"We are committed to maintaining Brazil's historical heritage, valuing the memory of our cultural traditions and strengthening people's connection with their own identity. This is the energy that the program brings to localities to boost social inclusion, generate work and income and create new opportunities. We believe in the power of this relationship to preserve national culture and achieve the goals of the UN's 2030 Agenda," says Renata Chagas, CEO of the Neoenergia Institute.

Educational activities

In addition to the new lighting with efficient bulbs, the initiative also promoted educational actions and environmental education practicesthroughout the year that benefited more than 300 students and teachers from Mossoró's municipal schools. The aim was to increase knowledge about the history of Mossoró and its cultural landmarks, preserving the local collective memory about the curiosities in the museum's collection and the city's historical personalities.

Inaugurated in 1948, the Lauro da Escóssia Historical Museum in Mossoró is a reference in preserving the history of Rio Grande do Norte, bringing together objects, documents and photographs that tell the story of the city, which is located around 280 kilometers from the capital Natal. With the support of the Neoenergia Institute, the revitalization of the space and the educational work contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in the areas of quality education and sustainable cities and communities. The current building was inaugurated on April 8, 1880 and was initially used as the old Public Prison and the Chamber of Aldermen. Since 1981, it has become a museum through an agreement between the state government and Mossoró City Hall.

Illuminating Brazil's cultural heritage

Over these 10 years, the Cultural Illumination Programme has revitalized seven monuments: Cruz de Cabrália, in Santa Cruz de Cabrália (BA); Forte das Cinco Pontas, in Recife (PE); Fortaleza da Barra Grande, in Guarujá (SP); Memorial Câmara Cascudo, in Natal (RN); Theatro Cinema Guarany, in Triunfo (PE); Igreja Senhora Santana, in Rio de Contas (BA); and Convento Nossa Senhora da Conceição, in Itanhaém (SP).