Waléria Américo is the winner of the 2nd illy SustainArt Brazil Award
Initiative of illycaffè invests in young Brazilian artists
The plastic artist Waléria Américo, of Laura Marsiaj Gallery, is the winner of the 2nd illy
SustainArt Award Brazil Edition. Dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging
talents of the plastic arts and contemporary design, the contest awarded R$ 20.000 to
the winning artist.
The award was held this Wednesday (3), during the ninth edition of the SP Arte —
which happens between April 3 and 7, at the Bienal Pavilion in São Paulo, Brazil. The
artist was represented by Laura Marsiaj, owner of the gallery, which is located in Rio de
Janeiro (RJ).
During the ceremony, Laura praised the initiative of illycaffè, especially because it
awards young artists. "It ends up stimulating young production, which is very rich in
Brazil". Waléria Américo (34) was born in Fortaleza (CE) and exhibited her work in the
SP Arte. More information about the artist and the Gallery on www.lauramarsiaj.com.br.
To participate in the illy SustainArt Brazil, the artist must have up to 35 years, be
Brazilian or resident in the country for at least two years.
Alexia Tala – curator of the Gabrado Club of the Museo de la Solidariedad (Chile) –
and Marta Mestre – Assistant Curator of the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro –
were responsible for evaluating the entries and select the winner. One of the purposes
of illy SustainArt Award is to narrow the paths between artists and curators from all
over the world and strengthen the concept that illycaffè is a company that appreciates
and supports the arts.
About illy SustainArt- The illy SustainArt Award is part of the www.illysustainArt.org
project, an online community dedicated to new talents of several developing countries.
A showcase for the world of contemporary art that functions as a place of meeting and
exchange of cultural reference.
In addition to the prize, the winner can still be invited to participate in a project of illy Art
Collection — collection of cups and cans signed by internationally famous artists and
young talents, which this year completes 20 years.
About illycaffè- Headquartered in Trieste, in Italy, the Italian roaster illycaffè produces and
markets a unique blend of espresso coffee under a single brand, leader in production of high
quality work. illy products are sold in 140 countries and is available in more than 100 thousand
of the best restaurants and coffee shops. The espressamente illy, Italian-style cafes, are
present in 30 countries, with more than 230 points of sale. With the goal of spreading the culture
of coffee, illycaffè founded the Università del caffè, a training center of excellence that provides
theoretical and practical training in all aspects of coffee for coffee growers, coffee shops and
beverage lovers. illycaffè employs 800 people around the world and has a consolidated turnover
of € 342 million (2011 results).