paraíso

PARAÍSO returns for another edition dedicated to the celebration of Afro-descendant and Lusophone artistic expressions, this year exploring the theme Past and Future in Afro-descendance. At a time when examining what precedes us is essential to project what lies ahead, we propose a debate on the ways of existing between the heritage we receive and the realities we collectively construct.

Through the axes of Performance, Thought, and Mediation, PARAÍSO asserts itself as an ever-expanding territory and a space for active listening. This year’s program intersects cinema, music, and dance with critical debate on practices that contest coloniality, anti-racist education in the arts, the communal celebration of its cultural agents, and gastronomy.

In 2026, PARAÍSO once again inhabits Theatro Circo, gnration, and Livraria Centésima Página, bringing together creators, researchers, and structures to expand the network of sharing and thought construction around this year’s theme.

At gnration, PARAÍSO presents a fully free program. Friday features the screening of Vanessa Fernandes’s film Si Destinu (2016), followed by a conversation between the director and curator Kitty Furtado. Saturday offers a schedule comprising talks, a lunch, a dance workshop, and DJ sets. Moderated by Dori Nigro, Melissa Rodrigues and Raquel Lima will outline the process behind the Anti-Racist Manual for Arts and Education. This is followed by a lunch by chef Ana Teresa Correia and a DJ set by DJ Chipula. The afternoon begins with the talk Art, Participation, and Practices of Contesting Coloniality, gathering António Zaqueu, Luege D’Olim, and Sarina Azevedo, moderated by Luiza Lins. Stemming from the meeting of these young individuals at the Braga25 initiative O que fazemos com isto?, the panel reflects on participation, memory, identity, and belonging. Before heading to Theatro Circo for the Cesária Évora Orchestra concert, choreographer Eddie Folige leads a workshop to liberate the body through dance.

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).