An immersion in the transformative process of recycling. That is what the Reciclarte Project proposes, promoting awareness of waste disposal and transforming recyclable materials into new works of art. From June 3rd to June 9th, the public will be able to join guided tours in Rio de Janeiro to learn more about the transformative potential of discarded materials.
Through the reutilization of items that would otherwise go straight into the trash, such as bottle caps and packaging, artists explore new forms, colors and textures, promoting environmental awareness and encouraging sustainable practices. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Culture and BRAVA Energia.
By training cooperatives, the project aims to raise people’s awareness of the importance of recycling and the possibilities of creating new income opportunities from this process. Recyclable containers are donated by the public and transformed into raw materials to be used to create new works of art, reinforcing the connection between art and sustainability.
Marcelo Ferraz, the Project’s Artistic Coordinator, said that, “Art derived from recycled plastic is a creative expression that transforms waste into inspiring works. These pieces not only adorn spaces, but also tell stories of renewal, highlighting the transformative potential present in the simple act of recycling”.
Transformative immersion
During the event, the public will be able to learn about the entire recycling transformation process. At a stand, visitors will go through each stage: plastic separation, shredding and insertion into injection and extrusion machines, to mold and create new pieces, which will be displayed and then donated.
The project will involve a producer, a production assistant and an artist-mentor to guide visitors. These professionals will also work in partnership with schools, NGOs and participating cooperatives.
Clarissa Thomson, general manager of External Relations and Sustainability at BRAVA Energia, explained that, “Our goal is to help raise public awareness of the importance of recyclingand promoting the circular economy, by emphasizing the reutilization of materials, entrepreneurship and income generation, as well as encouraging sustainable practices that have a social and economic impact”.
Service:
Reciclarte Project
Date: June 3 to 9, 2025
Location: Praça Almirante Júlio de Noronha, 83 – Leme
Hours: from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Recommended age: all ages
Sponsors: Brava, under the Culture Incentive Law
Support: Ministry of Culture, BNY and the Rio de Janeiro municipal government
Carried out by: RBR
