Sao Paulo Artists Turn Their Squat Into Cultural Center, Then Get Evicted

Downtown Sao Paulo is a sprawling mess of towering skyscrapers and abandoned buildings — striking signs of deep inequality that divides Brazil’s biggest city. The average rent has gone up nearly 100% since 2008, and Sao Paulo has climbed to #19 on the list of most expensive cities to live in. The recent World Cup sparked mass protests about the unsustainable cost of living in Brazil.

In early May, a tower block just steps away from the municipal legislature was taken over by a misfit group of musicians and artists. They redefined the space as a cultural center, holding events almost every day with no cover charge. The address is 63 Rua Ouvidor, and a creative revolution is happening within its dilapidated walls.

Every floor of Ouvidor 63 has something unique going on: jam sessions, theater or dance rehearsals, film screenings or street artists painting. Many occupants live in tents, and they’ve hooked up their own electricity and water. Some have decorated and personalized their corner of this drab concrete building. Giovana, an eccentric performer, marvels at how she’s able to have time and energy to practice her hula-hooping and dancing skills.

There is a history of civil groups taking over old buildings in Sao Paulo, but the idea of a cultural occupation is newer. Unfortunately, it seems the utopia may not last… while Vocativ was filming, the squatters of Ouvidor 63 were served with an eviction notice. Local authorities requested that they leave the property at once. Many squatters are now trying to figure out their next move.

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