Festival Vórtice returns to São Paulo with 147 artists from 22 countries

The fifth edition of Festival Vórtice, founded in 2022 by Leonardo Maciel and Paulo Cibella, occupies the building at Avenida São Luís, 86, in the República neighborhood of São Paulo from May 30 to June 27, 2026. This is the largest edition to date, featuring 147 artists from 22 countries. The festival received 323 open call submissions, a 47.5% increase from the previous year. Participants include Bruce LaBruce, Alex Flemming, Lisa Wang, Łukasz Leja, Bubby Costa, Issa Tall, Cole Fawcett, Jorge Bortoli, Maria La Sangre, George Striftaris, and Vlad Zorin. About 30% of artists are international, reflecting recent research trips to Germany, France, Mexico, and the United States. The festival presents works in painting, photography, sculpture, installation, embroidery, publishing, film, performance, and video art, without a single curatorial line, focusing on body, desire, and sexuality. The program includes performances, film screenings, public conversations, and a publication fair. Artworks can be purchased in person or through the festival's affiliated gallery platform.