Irlando Ferreira (b. Mindelo, Cabo Verde, 1981) works in the arts and culture sector through interdisciplinary research and practice, focusing on curating, programming, and cultural management. In recognition of the impact of his work on the African continent, in 2020, he was distinguished as one of the 40 most influential thinkers in Africa under the age of 40 by Apollo – The International Art Magazine, London. In 2022, he was distinguished as one of the “100 Most Influential Black Personalities in Lusophony” by Bantumen.
Between 2015 and 2023, he served as director and chief curator of CNAD. Under his leadership, he prompted new directions for Cabo Verde’s cultural policies and management; the CNAD regained its status as a public institute with unique and upgraded cultural facilities, including museum, library and research centre, training centre and collection storage. He also coordinated the research team to create and implement the legal framework for the national arts and crafts sector (2018-2021), Cabo Verde.
Based on innovative curatorial practices, he structured regular interdisciplinary artistic programming and curated various exhibitions, namely “Island in IV Acts by Luísa Queirós”, “Arkipélg by Carlos Noronha Feio”, “Strings - Cabo Verde’s Tapestry” and co-curated “Cabo-Verdean Creation: Routes” with Adélia Borges at CNAD.
With a degree in Theatre and a Master's in Management and Cultural Studies, he authored the book 'Cabo Verde, Creative Economies: What Benefits for the Country? He is also the editor of various books and a catalogues. Additionally, he actively participated in the "Culture for the Future" Manifesto, an initiative by the European Union held in Brussels (2019), and in the "Cabo Verde International Ambition Forum 2030", promoted by the State of Cabo Verde (2020).
