ABOUT MAI
HISTORY
Indigenous Art Museum – MAI was opened on 11/16/2016 in the Água Verde neighborhood, in Curitiba, Paraná.
It is the first private museum in Brazil dedicated exclusively to the artistic production of Brazilian indigenous people. With an area of more than 800 square meters divided into; feather art, ceramics, basketry, musical instruments, ritual masks, benches, ornaments and utilitarian objects.
MAI was born in Cleveland (PR), in 2009, with the aim of rescuing and preserving Brazilian indigenous culture. The quality of its collection and the constant care in maintaining and conserving the pieces allow visitors a true cultural immersion.
MAI is the result of more than 21 years of work by Julianna Podolan Martins on expeditions to the most diverse ethnicities and encompasses the cultural diversity of the main peoples of the national territory. Curated by Anna Itália Paraná Mariano, the museum details the origin of the pieces and the cultural traditions of the most diverse ethnicities. A large event space reproduces the architecture and atmosphere of an oca. All areas of the MAI were designed to receive each of the collection categories.
VISION AND MISSION
To be recognized for the relevance of its collection and quality of service to the public as the main reference for research on the artistic production of Brazilian indigenous people. We intend to bring about social, behavioral and cultural changes based on the experience provided to visitors.
MAI’s mission is to present this cultural universe to the public using objects and pieces that materialize the mythology and rituals of Brazilian indigenous people.
We believe that the appreciation of indigenous culture will only happen with the pedagogical integration of this arsenal of knowledge into Brazilian culture.
GOALS
- Awaken critical vision
- Encourage inclusion
- Valuing Brazilian history
- Respect differences
- Awaken the constructive analysis of cultures
- Rescuing the memory of Brazilian indigenous cultures
- Raise public awareness of a pedagogical process of inclusive culture
- Insert indigenous diversity as part of national values
- Encourage elementary, secondary and higher education to study and research history
- Raise awareness among children and adolescents about their cultural heritage
