Casa das Caldeiras

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Casa das Caldeiras is an important independent cultural space of São Paulo, based in an early 20th century thermoelectric power plant of Brazil's first industrial park, the IRFM.

Abandoned for a long time, it became a historical heritage site in 1986 before being restored in 1999. Today, it hosts many cultural activities throughout the year, as well as social projects and artistic residencies without accommodation.

"The project works with material and immaterial memory, so the project is linked to the city, its territory, the contemporary challenges we are exposed to. Casa das Caldeiras is a living space that welcomes artists to create transformative experiences," explains Karina Saccomanno Ferreira, director of the cultural center.

The residency program is called "Works in Construction" because artists are invited to work on creative processes and research, not just in production.

"We want to welcome projects that work on the theme of art, territory and heritage. For us, it is very important that the projects circulate to meet this trinity, creating a synergy with the place", explains Joel Borges, project director of the cultural association Casa das Caldeiras.

With more than 200 national and international residencies since 2008, the residency program is open to all disciplines and residents receive curatorial support, as well as logistical, administrative and communication support.

"Here is a different environment from the others I’ve had a contact within the art world because it ends up being more fluid and more open as well. Casa das Caldeiras offers spaces where artists can follow their own process independently. There is no schedule or final work to provide. Everything is free and I think this is very important for the creative process", confides Lucas Martins Fernandes, resident artist.