Our History
The Dream That Became a Riding School
From Complexo da Maré to the world — Elon Souza da Silva's journey transformed into an Institute: art, circus and community.
The Dream That Became a Riding School
1984
The Instituto de Arte Joias do Futuro was born in the heart of the Maré Complex, from the dream of a boy named Elon Souza da Silva. A young man from the Nova Holanda community, even in the face of adversity, he never stopped believing that art had the power to transform lives, starting with his own. From a young age, Elon found freedom to express his creativity through improvised play. His dream was clear: to be a circus performer and bring joy to the world. In 1984, fate brought Professor Roberto Silva into his path, and what began as childish play became tireless practice. The dream began to take shape.
1986–1990
The Formation of the Artist
His dedication led him to be accepted into the prestigious National Circus School in 1986. There, for nearly a decade, Elon not only graduated as a performer in the class of 1990, but also continued to hone his skills, participating in refresher courses and working in circuses such as Circo Bartolo and Marcos Frota. The school was his ultimate laboratory, where his passion became his profession.
1995–2011
The World's Stage
In 1995, his life changed course. At the invitation of renowned artists Renato Ferreira (Topetão) and Olga Dalsenter, Elon joined the Up Leon circus company, launching an international career. For five years, he enchanted audiences at Europa Park in Germany. His art opened new frontiers for him, and between 2000 and 2011, his journey continued through Finland and Sweden, performing on cruise ships and in parks. Every round of applause abroad enriched him not only as an artist but as a human being.
The Turning Point: Social Mission
2011–2018
After years of shining on the world's stages, Elon felt called to a new purpose. Between 2011 and 2018, while working as a teacher and assistant director at AfroCirco, part of the AfroReggae company, he traveled across Africa and witnessed firsthand the circus's powerful potential for social transformation. He saw how art could mediate conflicts and bring hope to vulnerable communities. It was there that his personal dream evolved into a collective mission.
The Legacy: The Founding of the Institute
2023
After so many experiences, the circle was complete. In 2023, Elon, along with his wife Débora Joia, realized his greatest dream: founding the Instituto de Arte Joias do Futuro (Joias do Futuro Art Institute). A return to his roots to give back to his community everything he had learned. Today, the Institute is the materialization of his journey, an open stage to polish the new "jewels" of Maré and prove that, with art and opportunity, any dream is possible.