Rio occupation London 2012

Under the artistic direction of Christiane Jatahy and Gringo Cardia, Rio occupation London saw 30 ground-breaking Rio artists occupying the vibrant streets, squares, stages and houses of London during the summer of 2012, working across the capital with UK-based artists as part of the London 2021 Festival.

Rio occupation London created a cultural bridge between the host city of the Olympic Games 2012 and the city of Rio De Janeiro that would take over the torch in 2016.

The Brazilian artists were in residence for a month in Battersea Arts Center (BAC), where they exchanged experiences and developed new works in collaboration with London Producers, artists, and arts institutions. These new works were showcased in more than 50 spaces across London, showing more than 250 works of art and performance for over 37 000 people.

The Occupation opened on Sunday 8 July 2012 with Rio Occupation: London Launch at BAC presented in association with LIFT. Each artist presented their “calling card” to showcase the dynamic variety and extraordinary breadth of work that Rio has to offer and London welcomed them with an almighty party. Then they performed in venues across London from the Albany to the V&A, including Rio occupation: East at Rich Mix on the 13 July, Rio occupation: Going for Gold and the V&A Late on Friday 27 July, Rio Occupation: Festival Finale in association with the V22 Summer Club at Biscuit Factory in Bermondsey on the 1-3 august.

As part of Rio occupation London Christiane Jatahy created, directed and coordinated In the comfort of your own home, a series of interventions, documentary works, performances and video installations produced by 30 Brazilian artists in the intimacy of homes in London.

British Council and Arts Council England were co-funders of the project in London and Rio de Janeiro.

This project was part of the British Council Transform programme.