Elevating Brazilian Art on the Global Stage: An Interview with Flavia Macuco, Founder of The55Project
New City Brasil | Tatiana Cesso | December, 2024
André Azevedo, solo exhibition “Tex(T).” Thai Project is a result of the The55project open call in collaboration with El Spacio 23 and Fundacion Pablo Atchugarry/Photo: The55project
As Miami Art Week arrives, the art world turns its attention to the vibrant cultural scene of South Florida. Among the key players working to amplify artistic voices in this dynamic space is Flavia Macuco, founder and executive director of The55Project. This innovative nonprofit has carved out a vital role in promoting Brazilian artists internationally, creating pathways for cross-cultural exchange and artistic growth.
In this interview, Flavia shares the story behind The55Project’s creation and its evolution into a platform that transcends Florida’s borders. With projects extending to cities like New York and Chicago, and a strong presence in Miami, the foundation showcases the richness of Brazilian art while fostering connections with diverse audiences and cultural landscapes.
Flavia reflects on the foundation’s achievements, the unique opportunities Florida offers as a hub for Latin American art, and the challenges of navigating a competitive international art scene. Her insights highlight how Brazilian art continues to resonate globally, celebrating its heritage while engaging with new and exciting artistic dialogues. (At Brazilcore.com, Macuco shares her personal recommendations for the best places to experience Brazilian art in its home country.)
Can you share the story behind the creation of The55Project? What inspired you to establish this foundation?
The55Project Art Foundation aims to increase the visibility of Brazilian artists on the international stage by fostering ongoing dialogue and collaboration with global organizations. I founded this nonprofit to create opportunities for artists to participate in exhibitions and residencies abroad. Through these experiences, artists can expand their research, grow their professional networks, and present their work to new and diverse audiences. The rich cultural influences, historical context, and innovative artistic expressions of Brazilian art seamlessly align with the diversity and multicultural vibrancy of cities like Miami, New York and others where we have developed projects. This synergy creates a dynamic platform for cross-cultural exchange and deeper artistic engagement.
Flavia Macuco/Photo: Flavia Macuco
What role does Florida, with its vibrant art scene and strong Latin American influence, play in The55Project’s mission to promote Brazilian art in the United States?
Our collaborations have extended beyond Miami to cities like Chicago and New York. For example, we hosted residency programs in New York City, and Anna Biondo, our director of exhibitions, traveled with a collective show from Miami to Chicago a few years ago. Since then, we’ve concentrated more on Florida, as the cities here have presented promising opportunities for partnerships and collaborations. Miami, in particular, has a significant number of galleries specializing in Latin American art, which allows us to connect with both Hispanic and Brazilian artists, fostering a dialogue that intertwines their histories and cultures.
The city’s diversity and multiculturalism make it a welcoming hub for art from across the globe, not just from Brazil. However, the journey has not been without its challenges, requiring resilience, great teamwork and creativity to navigate this dynamic and very competitive landscape.
Miami Art Week is a significant event on the global art calendar. How has this platform helped The55Project bring Brazilian art to an international audience?
Being part of Miami Art Week doesn’t necessarily mean participating in Art Basel itself. This week is a citywide celebration of art, with museums, nonprofits and private collections opening their doors to the public, coinciding with the influx of art fairs. Art Basel is the centerpiece of the week, showcasing over 280 galleries from around the globe. Alongside it, other notable fairs like Design Miami, which focuses on design, Untitled Art Fair, and NADA (New Art Dealers Alliance), which highlight emerging galleries and nonprofits, also play key roles. In fact, Miami hosts more than twenty parallel art fairs during this vibrant week. We are thrilled to once again participate in the Untitled Art Fair, where we’ll be showcasing works by three Brazilian artists. This fair offers an incredible platform to engage with the diverse audiences that gather in Miami during this dynamic and internationally renowned art week.
Anna Biondo, Jennifer Inácio, André Azevedo, Flávia Macuco/Photo: The55Project
What projects or exhibitions are you presenting at this year’s Miami Art Week? Are there any standout pieces or themes you’re particularly excited about?
Participation in art fairs requires a rigorous selection process, and we are honored to have been approved for this year’s Untitled Art Fair. Our booth will feature three exceptional Brazilian artists: Ivan Grilo, Rafael RG—both alumni of our residency program—and Aline Motta. Each artist is represented by prominent galleries in Brazil, and our initiative serves as a vital platform to present their work to an international audience. Untitled 2024’s curatorial theme centers on reexamining the exchanges and dialogues between the East and the West, aiming to build a transoceanic cultural bridge. This year’s focus is on welcoming diverse voices and perspectives in contemporary art—a conversation that resonates deeply with the works of our featured artists. Through their pieces, they explore and contribute to this global dialogue, offering unique insights into themes of cultural exchange, identity and historical narratives.
Aline Motta is an artist known for her profound exploration of identity, memory and ancestry. Her work delves into personal and collective histories, often focusing on Afro-Brazilian heritage and the legacies of slavery and colonialism. Ivan Grilo is recognized for his conceptually driven works that blend storytelling, memory and historical investigation. Born in Itatiba, São Paulo in 1986, Grilo often explores themes of identity, heritage and cultural narratives, drawing inspiration from personal experiences, archival materials. Rafael RG is a Brazilian artist whose multidisciplinary practice explores themes of memory, personal and collective histories and social constructs, often through the lens of intimacy and identity. Born in São Paulo in 1986, Rafael’s work is mainly the idea of storytelling—both personal and inherited. His art frequently engages with Afro-Brazilian heritage, historical archives, legal documents, and personal narratives, examining how they shape and reflect systems of power and exclusion. By weaving together fact and fiction, he creates a nuanced exploration of belonging, marginalization, and the role of memory in shaping identity.
Group show curated by Josué Mattos. “O cio da terra, O ócio da terra” (Cycles of fertility and pause). Fundacion Pablo Atchugarry in partnership with The55project/Photo: The55project
Can you share some of the most impactful or memorable projects The55Project has undertaken since its inception in 2017?
We’ve been fortunate to work on many incredible projects—more than one-hundred artists already participate in our programs, making it difficult to highlight just one. Our residency programs stand out as particularly meaningful, as they allow us to spend months immersed in learning, sharing ideas and collaborating with talented artists. These experiences foster a deep connection, not only with the artists but also with our members and donors. Bringing them to studio visits provides a unique opportunity to see art through the artists’ perspectives, offering fresh and transformative ways to understand contemporary art.
Additionally, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with curators such as Josué Mattos, Eder Chiodetto and Jennifer Inacio. These collaborations have been invaluable, enabling us to elevate our collective exhibitions and create meaningful opportunities for dialogue and artistic exploration.
What feedback have you received from Brazilian artists who have participated in your programs? How has engaging with international networks influenced their work or careers?
We’ve received excellent feedback, as the residency allows artists to visit prestigious collections and American universities, enriching their research and creative process. Additionally, the program provides a platform for them to expand their practice and showcase their projects to new and diverse audiences, fostering broader engagement and visibility.
Panmela Castro during the residency program by The55Project, and the artist Samuel Levi Jones/Photo: The55Project
Brazilian visual art is incredibly diverse and rich. What do you believe makes it stand out on the international stage?
Brazilian visual art stands out on the international stage due to its unique blend of cultural influences, historical context and innovative approaches to artistic expression. Also, we have great gallerists in Brazil and collectors, and SP-Arte is one of the biggest art fairs of Latin America, focused on contemporary and modern art and design. Brazilian visual art’s ability to merge local traditions with global dialogues, while innovating across mediums, ensures its lasting impact and growing recognition on the international stage. All this together amplifies Brazilian art’s presence internationally.
As a non-profit organization, what challenges has The55Project faced in securing funding or maintaining its initiatives?
Nonprofits typically rely on a combination of grants, donations, sponsorships and government support. However, economic downturns or policy changes can often reduce the availability of these resources. Despite these challenges, we successfully navigated the pandemic, and now, we are moving forward with new projects. We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of supporters and members who believe in our mission, engage with our initiatives, and help sustain our work. Their continued support has been instrumental in our ability to thrive and grow.
We’re also fortunate to have galleries and institutions that collaborate with The55Project on an annual basis. It truly takes a village! These partnerships play a crucial role in helping us bring our vision to life and extend our reach, creating a network of support that strengthens our impact in the art world.
Panmela Castro Residency Program collaboration between El Spacio 23 and The55project/Photo: The55project
How do you engage younger audiences, both in Brazil and the United States, to appreciate and support Brazilian art?
Engaging younger audiences to appreciate and support Brazilian art, whether in Brazil or the United States, requires a blend of immersive experiences and culturally relevant programming. Younger generations are particularly drawn to authenticity and inclusivity, so it’s essential to offer opportunities that resonate with their values. Our art talks are designed to be both instructive and educational, creating meaningful conversations that connect contemporary issues with artistic expression. By fostering an environment of learning and dialogue, we aim to inspire younger audiences to engage with Brazilian art in a deeper, more personal way.
What advice would you give to emerging Brazilian artists seeking to expand their presence internationally?
For emerging artists seeking to expand their presence, a great starting point is applying to group exhibitions, open calls or artist residencies. Annually, we offer two open calls that allow emerging artists to apply for a residency and a solo exhibition in the United States.
While residencies around the world can be highly competitive, it’s essential to research and find the ones that align with your artistic vision and interests. The right residency can provide valuable opportunities for growth, networking and exposure, helping to elevate your practice and introduce your work to new audiences. Also, commitment is the driving force that enables growth in any business, and it certainly fuels the creativity, dedication and energy required to bring their projects to life.
