Rio Grande do Sul Art Institutions Close and Mobilize After Devastating Floods

Flooding in Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has forced the closure of multiple art institutions, with at least 85 fatalities and over 130 people missing. The Guaíba river overflowed, displacing 150,000 residents and reaching a height of 5.3 meters. Museu de Porto Alegre Joaquim Felizardo and Fundação Iberê Camargo have shut indefinitely, while Vila Flores, an arts and community space, suffered significant water damage. Fundação Iberê Camargo is offering memberships and merchandise in exchange for donations to SOS Rio Grande do Sul, a centralized relief fund. Photographer Nathan Carvalho is selling prints through the Museu de Arte Contemporânea do Rio Grande do Sul's patrons group, with proceeds directed to the same fund. The Mercosur Biennial, scheduled for September in Porto Alegre, faces uncertainty as one of its main venues, Museu do Trabalho, experienced water damage estimated at 30cm. Curator Raphael Fonseca expressed devastation on social media, highlighting the tragedy's impact on the state and calling for support for local grassroots organizations. Farol Santander, operated by a financial group, was also affected by flooding, though no art damage is reported. The Secretary of State of Culture (Sedac) ordered closures to ensure safety and protect collections, with water entering a basement at one museum but not exhibition spaces.