Os Brasileiros

Here comes my declarative statement for the week: The Ministry of Culture in Brazil is one of the best things to happen to government from which the U.S. could surely take note. From music events to art expositions, the federal subdivision is responsible for sponsoring the hundreds of free quality happenings year-round, with the best of them taking place right in Sao Paulo. How’s that for a social system, where money is actually "” swallow this "” reserved to make culture bloom?

You can taste a little of this generosity with Os Brasileiros, a 40-street-artist-strong exhibit running at Los Angeles’ Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art, which has Brazil’s Ministry of Culture totally down. The first part of the exhibit was commemorated by a performance on Saturday featuring a Brazilian singer, but the second part, come January 19th, will kick off with a capoeira show and gratis caipirinhas. But don’t just come for the drinks. Brazil’s most lauded street artists like Binho Barreto, Pato, Paulo Ito, FLIP and Flavio Samelo will have their work on display, giving you the ultimate opportunity to see what we’re psyched on in the southern continent. Part I runs until January 17th; Part II is January 19th through 27th.