The Fowler Museum at UCLA has opened 'Construction, Occupation,' an exhibition exploring the intersection of art, activism, and housing justice. The show revisits the 2016–17 occupation of the abandoned Cambridge Hotel in São Paulo, Brazil, by low-wage workers, refugees, and artists—a project known as the Cambridge Artistic Residency (CARe)—which led to the building's transformation into government-funded social housing and a cultural hub. Curated by Alex Ungprateeb Flynn, Juliana Caffé, and Yudi Rafael, the exhibition features 24 artists and collectives, primarily from Brazil, with photography, video, installations from the original residency, and newly commissioned works. It runs through January 11, 2026.
The exhibition matters because it directly links São Paulo's history of occupation-based social change to the urgent housing crises in Los Angeles, proposing new models of resistance and collective action. By showcasing the power of creative resistance and community-driven artistic practices, 'Construction, Occupation' challenges perspectives on public space and urban transformation, aligning with the Fowler Museum's commitment to fostering dialogue on global social issues. It highlights art's potential to shape equitable cities and advocate for social justice, making it a timely and relevant cultural intervention.