More information
Description
The Coastal Cultural Centre addressed the imminent need for dedicated equipment to support scientific research linked to maritime traditions and coastal cultural heritage in Sesimbra, extending the capabilities of the local Maritime Museum. It also aimed to valorise the fishing profession, focusing on sustainable fishing and preserving ancestral crafts like traditional wooden shipbuilding, ensuring their continuity. The project sought to respond to the community''s lack of access to modern technologies and knowledge in these fields, as well as to foster international collaboration, particularly with Norwegian partners. The project rehabilitated a building to create the Coastal Cultural Centre, equipped with facilities such as a conservation laboratory, visitable reserves, and research offices. Key activities included twelve exchange trips between Portugal and Norway, workshops, training sessions, conferences, and the exhibition "Living with the Ocean." These initiatives facilitated knowledge sharing on sustainable fishing, fish processing, and shipbuilding, while also engaging the community through over forty events. The project delivered tangible outputs, including the fully operational Centre, which now houses and exhibits part of the Maritime Museum’s collections, promotes scientific residencies, and strengthens ties with Norwegian universities. It also influenced the establishment of the ArtesanalPesca factory, creating over forty jobs, and earned recognition with an Honorable Mention at the Portuguese Association of Museology (APOM) 2024 awards. The primary beneficiaries include local stakeholders, such as fishermen and craftsmen, who gained access to new technologies and skills, as well as researchers and the broader community, who now benefit from enhanced cultural and educational resources.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key issues and challenges related to the maritime heritage and cultural identity of Sesimbra. Firstly, there was an imminent need to establish dedicated facilities for scientific research focused on coastal cultural heritage, serving as an extension of the existing Maritime Museum. This was crucial to preserve and promote the region''s deep-rooted connection to maritime traditions and fishing activities, which are central to its identity.
Another significant challenge was the valorisation of the fishing profession, particularly in the context of sustainable fishing practices and the preservation of ancestral arts and crafts, such as traditional wooden shipbuilding. The project sought to ensure the continuity of these traditions by promoting their teaching and integrating modern technologies.
Additionally, the project addressed the need for community engagement and awareness around coastal cultural heritage. This involved creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, particularly with Norwegian partners, to share techniques and innovations in sustainable fishing, fish processing, and shipbuilding. The lack of such collaborative platforms had previously limited the community''s exposure to new methodologies and technologies.
The project also tackled the broader challenge of preserving and showcasing Sesimbra''s maritime collections, which were entirely community-donated but lacked adequate conservation and exhibition spaces.
The project focused on establishing the Coastal Cultural Centre in Sesimbra, dedicated to scientific research and the preservation of maritime heritage, while promoting sustainable fishing and traditional wooden shipbuilding. Key activities included the rehabilitation of a building to house the centre, complete with a conservation laboratory, visitable reserve, and research offices. Additionally, the project facilitated twelve exchange trips between Portugal and Norway, enabling the sharing of techniques and technologies related to sustainable fishing, fish processing, and traditional shipbuilding.
More than forty community initiatives were organised, including workshops, training sessions, and conferences, with the exhibition "Living with the Ocean" serving as a notable example. These efforts fostered collective awareness and appreciation of coastal cultural heritage. The project also supported scientific residencies, particularly with Norwegian universities and researchers, enhancing knowledge exchange and cooperation.
The collaboration with Norwegian partners, the Norsk Maritime Museum and UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, was instrumental in expanding the project''s scope. This partnership led to increased activities, such as work with individuals with dementia, the introduction of underwater drones, and artistic co-creation projects. The bilateral cooperation also resulted in ongoing projects and plans to showcase the "Living with the Ocean" exhibition in Brussels.
The project''s impact extended beyond its immediate goals, influencing local initiatives like the new ArtesanalPesca factory, which is expected to create over forty jobs. It also received recognition, such as an Honourable Mention in the Research and Scientific Diffusion category at the Portuguese Association of Museology (APOM) 2024 awards. The Coastal Cultural Centre continues to serve as a hub for research, community engagement, and international collaboration, ensuring the project''s legacy endures.
The project achieved significant outcomes and impacts, primarily benefiting the local community of Sesimbra, maritime researchers, and cultural heritage enthusiasts. By establishing the Coastal Cultural Centre, the project addressed the need for dedicated equipment to support scientific research linked to maritime traditions and coastal cultural heritage. This centre now serves as a hub for conserving, storing, and exhibiting collections donated by the community, while also promoting knowledge about the sea through scientific residencies, particularly with Norwegian universities and researchers.
A key achievement was the rehabilitation of the building, which now includes facilities such as a conservation laboratory, visitable reserve, and research offices. Additionally, the project facilitated twelve exchange trips between Portugal and Norway, enabling the sharing of techniques and technologies related to sustainable fishing, fish processing, and traditional wooden shipbuilding. These exchanges not only preserved centennial arts but also influenced the development of a new ArtesanalPesca factory, creating over forty new jobs.
The project also promoted community engagement through over forty initiatives, including workshops, training sessions, and conferences. The exhibition "Living with the Ocean" exemplified these efforts, raising collective awareness about the value of coastal cultural heritage.
Overall, the project not only preserved and promoted Sesimbra''s maritime heritage but also strengthened international ties, enhanced local employment opportunities, and fostered a deeper community connection to coastal cultural heritage. The positive effects are sustainable, with continued cooperation and future initiatives planned beyond the funding period.
Summary of bilateral results
The project greatly benefited from the collaboration with donor partners, the Norsk Maritime Museum and UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, whose contributions were essential to its success. Their involvement facilitated knowledge exchange, enhanced technical expertise, and expanded project activities. Bilateral cooperation led to twelve exchange trips between Portugal and Norway—twice the planned number—allowing for the transfer of advanced techniques in sustainable fishing, fish processing, and traditional wooden shipbuilding. These exchanges fostered innovation and skill development among local stakeholders. The partners also played a key role in the "Living with the Ocean" exhibition and supported over forty community initiatives, including workshops, training sessions, and conferences. Their contributions introduced new project dimensions, such as work with individuals with dementia, the use of underwater drones, and artistic co-creation, deepening community engagement and impact. At a bilateral level, the collaboration strengthened ties between Portuguese and Norwegian institutions, resulting in ongoing joint projects. The "Living with the Ocean" exhibition, set to be presented in Brussels, highlights the project’s international reach. Scientific residencies and joint activities with Norwegian researchers advanced maritime cultural heritage studies while fostering long-term professional relationships. Future cooperation is already in place. UiT will continue its involvement through a week-long scientific residency at the Coastal Cultural Centre, and Norwegian partners will remain engaged in community activities and research. These efforts ensure the collaboration extends beyond the project’s funding period, delivering lasting benefits for both countries.