trio of gallery pavilions to float as an 'island of arts' in são paulo

an island of Arts to float in São Paulo

In April 2025, the Island of Arts (IOA), a new floating art pavilion by Brazilian artist Igi Lọ́lá Ayedun in collaboration with architecture studio METRO Arquitetos, will debut on the Pinheiros River during São Paulo’s art week, SPARTE 2025. The pavilion, commissioned by AGUAS ABERTAS, is designed to transform the relationship between art, architecture, and the natural environment, supporting São Paulo‘s ongoing efforts to revitalize the once-polluted river on which it is sited.

visualizations courtesy HOA Cultural Society

the pavilion Commissioned by AGUAS ABERTAS

Designed by artist Igi Lọ́lá Ayedun and studio METRO Arquitetos as an immersive art installation, the Island of Arts (IOA) pavilion will redefine traditional exhibition spaces in São Paulo. It will blend art with architecture to create a dynamic, sensory experience. Rather than a static gallery, the IOA will be a monument-pavilion that interacts with the public, creating a connection between visitors and the surrounding environment. Through its design, it will integrate sustainability, technology, and spirituality, offering a platform for experimentation and reflection. This unique structure will host the work of ten to fifteen artists involved in programs supported by the HOA Cultural Society, emphasizing a collective approach to cultural expression.

The IOA pavilion is part of AGUAS ABERTAS, an initiative focused on reimagining the Pinheiros River through artistic and architectural interventions as the waterway undergoes a de-pollution process. The project represents a collaborative effort between multiple organizations, including the State of São Paulo and SABESP, the state’s public water company. The curators of the IOA, Gabriela de Mattos, and Paula Alzugaray, both renowned figures in the art world, bring their expertise to this project, ensuring that the IOA will be a significant cultural landmark for the city.

the Island of Arts is a floating art pavilion on the Pinheiros River in São Paulo

HOA Cultural Society: A New Model for Cultural Impact

The importance of São Paulo’s Island of Arts is further underscored by the backing of the Brazilian Ministry of Culture and the Federal Government, which have granted their official endorsement. This institutional support highlights the cultural significance of the IOA and reinforces the idea of collaboration across sectors to bring about transformative change through the arts.

The IOA project is closely tied to the HOA Cultural Society, a non-profit organization founded by Igi Lọ́lá Ayedun at the beginning of 2025. The HOA Cultural Society is dedicated to promoting Brazilian artists, particularly women and those from underserved communities, through various programs. These initiatives include an artistic grant and training program, an arts and crafts award, a free art school, and an international residency program. HOA’s mission is to foster inclusivity and support underrepresented voices in Brazil’s art scene, positioning the institution as a model for cultural and social equity.

the pavilion was created by artist Igi Lọ́lá Ayedun in collaboration with METRO Arquitetos

The HOA Cultural Society is an evolution of Ayedun’s previous venture, the House of Ayedun, which was one of Brazil’s first Black-owned commercial art galleries. With the establishment of the HOA Cultural Society, the organization has shifted its focus from a commercial gallery model to a broader institutional framework that emphasizes community, legacy, and collective growth. By moving away from traditional notions of ownership and colonialism, the HOA Cultural Society aims to create a shared creative space that promotes cultural, gender, and social equity for Brazilian artists.

In partnership with the IOA, the HOA Cultural Society is helping shape a new cultural landscape in São Paulo — one that values inclusivity, sustainability, and innovative collaboration between the arts and public institutions.

the IOA merges art and architecture for immersive public experiences