‘O Cluster’ Cultural Hub Returns to Rio this Weekend

By Beatriz Miranda, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Another edition of ‘O Cluster’ opens in Rio this Saturday, April 14th, at Casa França-Brasil (France-Brazil House), in Centro. Disclosing the latest from Rio’s independent creative industry, the event will promote diverse cultural attractions and activities for free until Sunday, April 15th, including music, cinema, and visual arts.

More than a fair or a market, ‘O Cluster’ is a multicultural platform that gives visibility to new members of Rio’s artistic scene. The project’s main goal is to strengthen Rio’s creative chain, and also enable the exchange of ideas and experiences between artists and the audience.

“I started the Cluster in order to respond to a demand of my own, but soon I realized this demand was common to all the segments from the creative industry: all of the artists needed to boost their work. Thus, O Cluster has been seeking to fill the gaps in the industry and to help the sector to grow,” says Carolina Herszenhut, who conceived the project.

Marking Saturday’s line-up will be an exhibition of independent short animations. Eighteen productions are taking part in the exhibition, such as “The Yellow Generation,” by Daniel Sake, which was selected in international festivals like Anima Mundi and the Rio Film Festival.

What’s more, three DJs will be playing at the event on Saturday, April 14th, promising to ignite the floor of the France-Brazil house. DJ El Amaral will spin a set list of tropical bass, cumbia, dub, rap, ragga, funk, among other genres, while Tee Cardaci and Icaro dos Santos will make everyone dance to the beat of house, boogie, and disco music.

On Sunday, April 15th, O Cluster will be hosting the first phase of the second edition of the ‘Espiritu Libre’ Musical Award. Five promising independent bands will participate in the competition and perform for free on the venue’s stage: the clavier and sax duo, Alex Meirelles & Chico Costa; rock band Barba Ruiva; and also groups Carmen, Dr. Vodu and Guaporés.

Running the pick-ups on Sunday will be DJ Andrei Yurievitch, from the Manie Dansante party, spinning the best blends of electronic and vintage music like electro swing, retro beats, vintage remix, swing, and new jazz. DJ Nado Leal will also be spinning.

Apart from the musical attractions, various brands will be selling their work on both days of the event. Fécula, Holly, Anouk bags, Quaint, Benedito, and Hype Brasil are some of the design and fashion brands participating in ‘O Cluster’. Furthermore, the illustrators Lu Fortes, Juliana Minelli, Matheus Hofsttater, Julia Luz Saldanha,and Helena Schmidt are also confirmed in the event.

Additionally, great food options can be found at the Casa França-Brasil, like Suco Que Beleza’s natural juices, Tutto Nhoque’s Italian food, Crêpe Bon Profit’s crepes, Risolto’s Italian risotto, and VerDelícia’s vegan dishes.

What: O Cluster
When: April 14th and 15th – 1PM to 9PM
Where: Casa França Brasil – Rua Visconde de Itaboraí, 78 – Centro.
Entrance: FREE