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Description
The Nautical Arts Centre addressed the decline of traditional wooden shipbuilding and repair techniques in Vila do Conde, which are part of Portugal''s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It aimed to preserve these skills, revitalise the sector, and boost the local economy through cultural tourism and education. Key activities included restoring a 16th-century ship replica, constructing a traditional wooden vessel (''catraia''), creating exhibition spaces, and organising training courses and international exchanges with Norwegian partners. These efforts fostered knowledge transfer, community engagement, and new training opportunities in naval carpentry. The project achieved the preservation of maritime heritage, trained skilled craftsmen, and strengthened the local economy by attracting tourists and creating jobs. It also enhanced social cohesion by involving the community in cultural practices. Beneficiaries included local artisans, students, tourists, and residents, who gained from cultural preservation, educational opportunities, and increased regional attractiveness. The project''s long-term impact lies in sustaining these benefits through ongoing partnerships and tourism growth.
Summary of project results
The Nautical Arts Centre aimed to address several key issues and challenges related to the preservation and revitalisation of wooden shipbuilding and repair techniques, which are part of Portugal''s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. One major challenge was the risk of these traditional skills being lost due to a lack of trained craftsmen and declining interest in the craft. The project sought to counteract this by creating training opportunities, such as a naval carpentry course, and organising educational activities to pass on these skills to new generations.
Another challenge was the need to integrate the local community into heritage preservation efforts, ensuring that maritime traditions remained a living part of Vila do Conde''s cultural identity. The project addressed this by involving artisans, students, and tourists in activities like exhibitions, study visits, and international exchanges, promoting greater appreciation and social cohesion around maritime heritage.
The project also aimed to boost the local economy by leveraging tourism and creating new business opportunities linked to wooden shipbuilding. By promoting nautical activities, regattas, and partnerships with international organisations, it sought to enhance the region''s attractiveness and generate sustainable economic benefits. Additionally, the collaboration with Norwegian partners helped address the challenge of limited technical knowledge by facilitating the exchange of best practices and innovative solutions in shipbuilding and heritage preservation. Overall, the project tackled cultural, economic, and educational challenges to ensure the long-term sustainability of Vila do Conde''s maritime heritage.
Vila do Conde''s Nautical Arts Centre focused on preserving and revitalising traditional wooden shipbuilding and repair techniques. Key activities included the creation of dedicated spaces at two locations: Area 1, which housed a Workshop Area and Training Centre, and Area 2, an Exhibition Area at the former Royal Customs House and the site where a 16th-century ship replica was repaired. The project also involved the construction and monitoring of a traditional wooden vessel called ''catraia''.
An exhibition was developed to showcase the shipbuilding know-how, alongside educational and training initiatives such as study visits, training courses, and the launch of a naval carpentry course in collaboration with national partner FOR-MAR. The project also promoted its region through sports and nautical activities, including regattas and international exchanges with Norwegian partners, namely Stiftelsen Engøyholmen Kystkultursenter and Hardanger og Voss.
These efforts revitalised the wooden shipbuilding sector, created new training opportunities, and boosted the local economy. The project successfully preserved traditional techniques, trained new craftspeople, and strengthened community involvement in heritage preservation. Partnerships with educational and cultural institutions further integrated the community into these efforts, enabling more social cohesion and a greater appreciation of maritime heritage.
The collaboration with Norwegian partners enriched the project through knowledge exchange, joint training, and shared best practices in shipbuilding. This bilateral cooperation strengthened cultural ties between Portugal and Norway, with plans to continue future collaborations. Overall, the project had a lasting impact on cultural preservation and education in Vila do Conde.
The Nautical Arts Centre achieved significant results in preserving and revitalising traditional wooden shipbuilding and repair techniques, safeguarding Portugal''s intangible cultural heritage. Key outcomes included the establishment of dedicated workshop and exhibition spaces, the restoration of a 16th-century ship replica, and the construction of a traditional ''catraia'' vessel. An exhibition showcasing this craftsmanship was created, alongside educational initiatives such as training courses, study visits, and a naval carpentry course. The project also boosted the region''s appeal through nautical activities like regattas and international exchanges with Norwegian partners.
The project benefited multiple groups: local artisans and students gained new skills, ensuring the continuation of traditional craftsmanship; the community saw increased social cohesion and engagement with maritime heritage; tourists enjoyed enriched cultural and nautical attractions, boosting local tourism; and the broader economy benefited from new business opportunities. Partnerships with educational and cultural institutions further integrated the community into heritage preservation efforts.
Long-term impacts include the sustained preservation of shipbuilding techniques, ongoing training opportunities, and the (re)positioning of Vila do Conde as a potential hub for wooden shipbuilding. The project also strengthened international ties, particularly with Norway, fostering knowledge exchange and future collaboration. Overall, it successfully balanced cultural preservation, an economic focus, and community involvement, leaving a legacy for the region.
Summary of bilateral results
The project greatly benefited from having donor project partners, Stiftelsen Engøyholmen Kystkultursenter and Hardanger og Voss in Norway, by enabling direct knowledge exchange and practical collaboration in wooden shipbuilding. Their involvement enriched the project through shared expertise, innovative techniques, and best practices, enhancing the skills of Portuguese craftspeople. The bilateral partners also provided new perspectives on heritage preservation and community engagement, ensuring a more sustainable and inclusive approach. Their contributions strengthened the project’s outcomes, fostering cultural ties and improving the quality of training and preservation efforts. At a bilateral level, the collaboration yielded significant results, including the exchange of technical and cultural knowledge in wooden shipbuilding, which improved craftsmanship and heritage preservation methods. The partnership strengthened cultural and professional ties between Portugal and Norway, creating a platform for shared learning and joint problem-solving. It also increased visibility for the project, attracting broader stakeholder interest and reinforcing the importance of maritime heritage. The bilateral engagement extended beyond the project, laying the groundwork for future cooperation in cultural and educational initiatives. Plans are in place to continue bilateral cooperation, building on the successful exchanges and mutual benefits achieved during the project. The partnership with Stiftelsen Engøyholmen Kystkultursenter and Hardanger og Voss is expected to expand, with further initiatives in heritage preservation, training programmes, and cultural activities. This ongoing collaboration aims to sustain the momentum of knowledge sharing, promoting innovation, and strengthen long-term ties between the two countries in maritime heritage and beyond.