The Instituto Bienal Amazônia and the Saphira Ventura Gallery announce the second edition of the “Side by Side: Innovation in Focus” event, which will take place during the Venice Architecture Biennale, from June 21 to July 15, 2025, and will be divided into two phases. This landmark event will bring together a select group of internationally renowned Brazilian architects and artists of various nationalities, all committed to the promotion of sustainability and innovation. “Innovation in Focus” will serve as a stage for the presentation of a series of works and projects that reflect the latest approaches to sustainable architecture and design. With the support of FGV – Europe, ODS Amazônia and New York Contemporary Art Society, this international program aims to highlight the importance of art and architecture as key tools for social communication and environmental education. Curated by Alcinda Saphira and coordinated by economist Louis Ventura, PhD, the event will not be limited to exhibitions, but will also include seminars that promote critical dialogue on the challenges and solutions for a sustainable future. This creative tour incorporates a variety of voices-including artists, architects, designers, academics, environmentalists, and diplomats-creating a manifesto that aims to give voice to those who often go unrepresented.
Participating architects include prominent names such as Benedito Abbud (SP), Seferin Arquitetura da Saúde (Brazil), Patrícia O’Reilly (SP), and Ester Carro (SP). In addition to them, new and established artists will participate in the event, including Bari Bing (USA), Ju Barros (Brazil), Maycon Nunes (Brazil), Ana Olivier & Ricardo Stumn (Brazil), Barbara Tyler (USA), Saori Kurioka (Japan/USA), Maria T Ason (USA), Mathilda (Argentina), Ali CXC (Turkey), Dominika Koczot & Greg Hajdarowicz (Lisbon), Renata Ferraz (Brazil), Nashimia, Rose Maiorana (Brazil), Pedro Gui (Brazil) and Liz Carvalho (USA), as well as Júlia Isabel (Croatia) and Alberto Zampieri (Italy).
This traveling program will culminate in COP30, which will be held in Belém do Pará, home of the Instituto Bienal Amazônia, chaired by Alcinda Saphira and co-founded by architect Milene Coutinho, who is its artistic director. “Side by Side: Innovation in Focus” not only offers food for thought, but also explores the technical and functional side of architecture, demonstrating that innovation can and should go hand in hand with environmental responsibility.
Venice, with its rich cultural and artistic tradition, will open its doors to host this important event, engaging the local community and promoting a dialogue that transcends borders. Join us on this journey of innovation and awareness, where art and architecture meet in defense of a more just and sustainable world.
Date: June 21-July 15, 2025 (divided into 2 phases: June 21-30 and July 3-15)
Location: Venice Architecture Biennale
Curator: Alcinda Saphira
Coordinator: Louis Ventura, PhD
Press Secretary: Paula Ramagem
Organization: Instituto Bienal Amazônia and Saphira & Ventura
Support: Bienal Somos Todos Amazônia, FGV Europe, Brazil-US Chamber of Commerce, NYICAS, IDEA Paris, Instituto DS Amazônia and e-DAU INFORMATION