ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

7th International Sertão Biennial Opens in Diamantina with Nomadic Spirit and Poetic Confluence Theme

festival-fair · 2026-04-19

The 7th International Sertão Biennial launches on October 1 in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, maintaining its nomadic character by moving to a different Brazilian state each edition. Curated by Laura Benevides and Janaína Selva, this year's theme 'Poesia em Confluência' gathers 50 artists addressing climate, artificial intelligence, ancestry, and collective identities. Performances will occur at the Federal University of Vale do Jequitinhonha and Mucuri and the historic Teatro Santa Izabel. Founder Denilson Santana emphasizes the event's educational focus and partnerships with universities and museums, including collaborations with Hermán Pacurucu from Ecuador's Cuenca Biennial and Argentina's Posverso, curated by Silvio de Graça. The biennial features commissioned works and pieces from an open call, displayed across symbolic city spaces like the Museu do Diamante. Workshops and dialogues engage local communities, reinforcing its role as a platform for cultural decentralization and social transformation. Originating in Feira de Santana, Bahia, from Santana's experience as a monitor at the São Paulo Biennial, it aims to create accessible contemporary art experiences beyond major capitals. Future plans include a nomadic base in Bahia.

Key facts

  • Inauguration on October 1, 2024, in Diamantina, Minas Gerais
  • Features 50 artists from Brazil and abroad
  • Curated by Laura Benevides and Janaína Selva
  • Theme: 'Poesia em Confluência' (Poetry in Confluence)
  • Includes performances at Teatro Santa Izabel and Federal University of Vale do Jequitinhonha and Mucuri
  • Collaborates with international curators Hermán Pacurucu and Silvio de Graça
  • Founded in 2012 in Feira de Santana, Bahia
  • Educational workshops and community dialogues are integral

Entities

Artists

  • Denilson Santana
  • Laura Benevides
  • Janaína Selva
  • Hermán Pacurucu
  • Silvio de Graça
  • Alana Barbo
  • Ambuá
  • Camila Kahhykwyú Canela
  • Carlos Mélo
  • Catarina Dantas
  • Cicero Costa
  • Conceição Myllena
  • Flaw Mendes
  • Cristiane Martins
  • Danilo Espinoza Guerra
  • Derlon
  • Edith Derdyk
  • Emika Takaki
  • Erika Dantas
  • Estêvão Parreiras Pereira
  • Fernanda Adamski
  • Gabriela Loayza
  • Helena Sofia Klipp
  • Hernán Illescas
  • Irmãs Gelli
  • Iván Zambrano
  • Janaina Wagner
  • Jimson Vilela
  • Joana Amora
  • João Pedro Ramos
  • José Guedes
  • Juniara Albuquerque
  • Kyria Oliveira
  • Luanda
  • Luciana Borre
  • Luiz O. (Luizhim)
  • Maria Zegna
  • Manoel Veiga
  • Mariana Guardani
  • Marianna Pizzatto
  • Nina Miyamoto
  • Padmateo
  • Polina Shklovskaya
  • Briseis Schreibman
  • Raquel Rodrigues
  • Ricardo Vilas Freire
  • Samira Pavesi
  • Sofia Ramos
  • Soledad Sánchez Goldar
  • Taís Koshino
  • Victor Hugo Bravo

Institutions

  • Bienal Internacional do Sertão
  • Universidade Federal do Vale do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri
  • Teatro Santa Izabel
  • Bienal de Cuenca
  • Posverso
  • Bienal de São Paulo
  • Museu do Diamante

Locations

  • Diamantina
  • Minas Gerais
  • Brazil
  • Feira de Santana
  • Bahia
  • Cuenca
  • Ecuador
  • Argentina

Sources