paraíso

PARAÍSO returns for an edition dedicated to the celebration of Afro-descendant and Lusophone artistic expressions, this year under the theme “Past and Future in Afro-descendancy”. At a moment when looking at what precedes us is vital to project what lies ahead, the programme proposes a debate on the ways of existing between received heritage and collectively built realities.

Operating through the axes of Performance, Thought, and Mediation, PARAÍSO stands as a constantly expanding territory and a space for active listening. This year’s line-up intersects cinema and music, while introducing critical debates on practices contesting coloniality, anti-racist education in the arts, the celebration of community and its cultural agents, and gastronomy.

In 2026, PARAÍSO returns to Theatro Circo, gnration, and Livraria Centésima Página, bringing together creators, researchers, and structures to expand the network of shared knowledge and thought construction around this year’s core theme. At gnration, PARAÍSO presents a completely free programme. On Friday, Vanessa Fernandes’ film Si Destinu (2015) will be screened, followed by a conversation. Saturday features a programme comprising talks, a lunch, a dance workshop, and DJ sets.

curatorial coordination
nuno abreu

thought and mediation curation
bantumen and rosa cabecinhas, conciliare (cecs, uminho)

cinema curation
kitty furtado

supported by portuguese republic – culture, youth and sports / directorate-general for the arts / portuguese network of theatres and cineteatres (rtcp). portuguese network of contemporary art (rpac).