ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

São Paulo Art School Accused of Cult-Like Exploitation in Investigative Podcast

publication · 2026-04-20

In January, Brazilian reporters Chico Felitti and Beatriz Trevisan debuted a podcast called O Ateliê, which dives into the controversial Ateliê do Centro, an unofficial art school in São Paulo. For two decades, Rubens Espírito Santo has led the school, and the podcast claims it turned into a cult-like environment that exploited students in various ways. On September 26, 2022, former student Mirela Cabral, who attended from 2016 to 2018, lodged a complaint at the Cambuci Women’s Defence Police Station, detailing abuse and financial exploitation. Other ex-students, like Dudu Farah, reported sexual coercion and violence. Students paid between R$1,000 to R$3,000 monthly. The school shut down in March 2023 after police acted on the podcast's revelations.

Key facts

  • The podcast O Ateliê launched in January, investigating Ateliê do Centro in São Paulo.
  • Former students filed a police complaint on September 26, 2022, alleging psychological, physical, sexual, and financial abuse.
  • Rubens Espírito Santo founded the school 20 years ago, attracting students from wealthy families.
  • Fees varied from R$1,000 to R$3,000 monthly, with additional personal expenses paid to Espírito Santo.
  • Mirela Cabral moved to London in October 2022 and exhibited work related to her experiences.
  • The Civil Police conducted a search and seizure in early 2023, leading to the school's permanent closure.
  • Espírito Santo denies allegations, stating all actions were consensual.
  • Over 20 former students have come forward with accusations of violence and exploitation.

Entities

Artists

  • Chico Felitti
  • Beatriz Trevisan
  • Mirela Cabral
  • Rubens Espírito Santo
  • Dudu Farah
  • Mauricio Adinolfi
  • José Resende
  • Jac Leirner
  • Fábio Cypriano

Institutions

  • Ateliê do Centro
  • Cambuci Women’s Defence Police Station
  • Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (FAAP)
  • Arte!Brasileiros magazine
  • Kupfer project space
  • Petrobras
  • Comunique-se
  • Public Prosecutor’s Office
  • Civil Police

Locations

  • São Paulo
  • Brazil
  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • São José dos Campos
  • Copan block B
  • Rua Epitácio Pessoa
  • Praça da República

Sources