Elson Angelico, Founder, WAAU - World African Artists United

Elson Angélico is an entrepreneur and philanthropist. As the founder of MEXTO Holding AG, he has led several award-winning urban rehabilitation projects in Lisbon, receiving recognition from the Prêmio Nacional do Imobiliário and SIL Awards. His work frequently bridges the gap between development and culture, notably through his role on the Committee of Honour for ARCOlisboa, an art fair MEXTO has sponsored since 2021, and the creation of Not A Museum (NAM), an art lab focused on creative collaboration. 

WAAU – World African Artists United 

Launched by Angélico in 2022, WAAU is a global non-profit association dedicated to promoting African and Afro-descendant artists. The organization fosters diplomacy and education by organizing exhibitions, talks, as well as other events that encourage intellectual dialogue. It also maintains an extensive digital ecosystem featuring a database of artists, curators, and institutions, alongside information on residencies and exclusive journalistic content. By enhancing visibility and professional empowerment, WAAU champions the cultural heritage of the African diaspora within the global art market.

Contact: elson.alexandre@waau-art.com