Brenda Valansi told us about the challenges that Art Rio 2020 faces in the face of the Covid-19 contingency, in addition to the guidelines it follows in terms of gender equality.
1.What is the reason for moving forward with ArtRio in the face of the Covid-19 health contingency?
We understand the actual scenario and all the pain the pandemic causes worldwide. In the other hand, we truly believe that following all the protocols indicated by OMS and other well recognized organizations is possible to develop a safe event and stimulate the market.
Stop the market – and I´m not talking only about the art segment – is not the only possible answer to the actual scene. ArtRio generated this year over 900 job positions during its production and organization. A huge number of these professionals was without work since Carnival, end of February. Galleries were closed since March.
As you said, we are really moving forward, but with all the safety protocols available.
2.How does Art Rio face the pandemic?
I can list here some of the precautions we took:
– All professionals working at the event present a negative PCR exam, made 72 hours before working in site.
– Requirement to use face masks for all working professionals and also visitors.
– Tickets sold exclusively online, with date and time scheduled. Sale of 300 tickets for periods of 2 hours of event visitation.
– Event occupied a total area of 7 thousand square meters. The covered area had an average height of 8 meters high.
– Alcohol gel available at different areas of the event.
– Aisles about 4 meters wide, with signs on the floor indicating the direction of visitation.
– All communication made through QR Codes, including information about the galleries and the art pieces – no folders were distributed
– Checking the temperature of all visitors and professionals at the entrance of the event
3.How important are women in ArtRio?
Actually, ArtRio has a female team. We have only one man at the team that works together during the whole year. And we are very proud to see the increase of the number of well succeed female gallerists and artists.
4.How many women will they have exhibiting at Art Rio?
It´s hard to answer but I can say we have more 180 women at ArtRio
5.What’s new this year at the fair?
Facing the new protocols, we will have all our agenda of events at the website – all online, including debates, lectures, conversations, guided tours and performances
6.What percentage of female artists are there in the galleries participating in the fair? How do you handle gender equality?
The definition of the artists and the art pieces are 100% managed by the galleries. They are free to make this selection and we truly believe that there cannot be an intervention by the organizations in that selection.
The market, naturally, regulates the gender equality – not the fair organization.
7.How Art Rio sees the future of women in Art in Brazil?
We have historical names, as Tarsila do Amaral and Anita Malfatti, and great artists as Leda Catunda, Anna Bella Geiger, Beatriz Milhazes and Brígida Baltar – just as examples. There is a great new generation with Anna Costa e Silva and Iris Helena, and so many other names.
Brazil is a very openminded country – and this is very strong when we talk about artr.
8.What do you think of the work of Mia Art Collection with the democratization of art through the free digital museum Mia Anywhere?
The digital world is a reality in all segments, breaking not only the barriers of physical distances, but providing accessibility for all. Art is created to reach and touch people, to stimulate reflection and observation. Nothing better than free access to encourage more and more people to have access to art and knowledge.