The first phase of a new cultural partnership has been launched by the Brazilian Ministry of Culture and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Working in conjunction with Arts Council England (ACE) and the British Council, the Points of Contact/Pontos de Contato knowledge exchange scheme aims to promote culture as a tool for social transformation. Produced by the People's Palace Project - an arts organisation based at Queen Mary, University of London, the Points of Contact scheme will include a learning visit to Brazil in March 2010 and a reciprocal visit to the UK in July 2010.

A seminar will be held in London in September 2010 in order to explore the issues raised before a report is published by the People's Palace Project with a view to establishing a long-term partnership between the two governments. Culture secretary Ben Bradshaw said: "Brazil's unique cultural heritage, and the democratising power of the arts, can provide fascinating lessons for the United Kingdom.

"These experiences will enable artistic creation to flourish, provide a cultural legacy and help to strengthen relations between our two countries." Brazilian federal secretary of cultural citizenship, Célio Turino, added: "Culture has the capacity to transform people's lives, making possible a diverse exchange of knowledge and practices. Our policy has been to stimulate the flux, the flow, the fusion of cultural points in Brazil.

"We believe that by making an interaction with Points of Contact in the UK we can strengthen the forces of integration between us all." Further information about the scheme, including participating arts organisations, is due to be announced in spring 2010.