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Description
Fôlego project was needed to address the challenges of climate change awareness and cultural engagement in low-density municipalities in Portugal, where access to artistic and educational resources is often limited. These regions face issues such as environmental degradation, lack of community cohesion, and limited opportunities for creative expression, which the project aimed to tackle through cultural and artistic initiatives.
Fôlego addressed these challenges by implementing a diverse programme of artistic activities, including cinema, dance, music, poetry, and theatre, held in unconventional venues like libraries, schools, and public squares. The project also involved participatory art processes and training sessions to empower local communities. Key outputs included 62 artistic productions, 100 public presentations, and two digital publications: the Manual of Best Practices and the Sustainable Business Manual, which provide guidance on climate action and creative entrepreneurship.
The project planned to achieve increased public engagement with climate change themes, stronger inter-municipal collaboration, and enhanced cultural participation in underserved areas. It exceeded expectations, attracting 6.810 participants—36% above forecasts—and fostering partnerships with international entities like the University of Iceland and Norwegian choreographer Heidi Rustgaard.
The primary beneficiaries were residents of low-density municipalities, including students, artists, and local entrepreneurs, who gained access to cultural activities, skills training, and networking opportunities. By involving communities in artistic and environmental dialogues, Fôlego aimed to inspire long-term behavioural change and sustainable development, leaving a legacy of heightened environmental consciousness and cultural vitality in the region.
Summary of project results
Fôlego project aimed to address several interconnected challenges in low-density municipalities in Portugal, primarily focusing on the lack of cultural engagement, environmental awareness, and sustainable development opportunities in these regions. One of the key issues was the limited access to artistic and cultural activities in rural and less populated areas, which often results in reduced community cohesion and fewer opportunities for creative expression. This cultural deficit was compounded by the geographical isolation of these municipalities, making it difficult for residents to participate in broader artistic and educational initiatives.
Another significant challenge was the growing urgency of climate change and the need for local communities to engage with environmental issues. Many of these regions, such as those affected by desertification and forest fires, faced direct ecological threats, yet public awareness and proactive responses were often lacking. The project sought to bridge this gap by using art as a medium to spark dialogue, reflection, and action on sustainability, aiming to foster a deeper connection between communities and their environment.
Additionally, the project addressed the economic and social vulnerabilities of low-density areas, where limited resources and opportunities often hinder local entrepreneurship and innovation. By providing training in creative industries, management, and sustainable business practices, Fôlego aimed to empower artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, enabling them to develop new skills and collaborative networks. This was particularly important in strengthening the cultural and economic resilience of these regions.
The project also tackled the challenge of inter-municipal collaboration. By working across multiple municipalities—initially in Maçâo, Oleiros, Proença-a-Nova, Sertã, and Vila de Rei, and later expanding to Covilhã and Vila Velha de Ródão—it aimed to create synergies and shared cultural strategies that could amplify impact beyond individual localities. The involvement of international partners, such as the University of Iceland and Norwegian choreographer Heidi Rustgaard, further enriched the project by introducing global perspectives on sustainability and artistic innovation.
In summary, Fôlego addressed the cultural, environmental, and socio-economic challenges faced by low-density Portuguese municipalities by leveraging art as a tool for education, community building, and sustainable development. Its holistic approach sought not only to enrich local cultural life but also to inspire long-term environmental stewardship and economic creativity in these underserved regions.
Fôlego project implemented a diverse range of cultural and artistic activities across low-density municipalities in Portugal, aiming to foster community engagement, environmental awareness, and sustainable development. The project unfolded in multiple phases, beginning in September 2021 and concluding in April 2024, with activities taking place in Maçâo, Oleiros, Proença-a-Nova, Sertã, Vila de Rei, and later expanding to Covilhã and Vila Velha de Ródão.
Central to the project were its artistic presentations, which spanned various disciplines including cinema, dance, music, poetry, and theatre. These events were held in unconventional venues such as libraries, schools, churches, gardens, and public squares, making culture more accessible to local communities. In total, the project organised 62 artistic productions and 100 public presentations, surpassing initial forecasts by 27% and 82% respectively. These activities not only entertained but also served as platforms for discussing climate change and sustainability, aligning with the project’s theme of "Arts to connect and breathe better times!"
Participatory art processes were another key component, inviting community members to actively engage in creative projects. This approach empowered local residents, including students and volunteers, to contribute to artistic productions and explore environmental themes through collaborative work. For instance, students from Sertã Secondary School collaborated with Norwegian choreographers to create the Fest en Fest Festival, which incorporated reused burned wood into its scenic design, symbolising the impact of climate change. These workshops and performances encouraged participants to adopt a more activist stance, culminating in a powerful message: "IF WE DO NOT ACT TO CHANGE, THERE WILL BE NO MORE SEASONS!"
Training and capacity-building activities were also integral to the project. Five training sessions were conducted, covering topics such as entrepreneurship, creative challenges, communication, legality, management, and financing. These sessions targeted local artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals, equipping them with skills to develop sustainable creative businesses. The outcomes of these trainings were compiled into the Sustainable Business Manual, a digital publication designed to inspire and guide future initiatives.
The project also produced the Manual of Best Practices, a resource documenting the methodologies and lessons learned from Fôlego’s activities. Initially focused on the Pinhal Interior Sul region, the manual was designed to inspire other territories to address climate change through art and education. It included contributions from international partners, such as Steven Hartman from the University of Iceland, who facilitated conferences and residencies that connected Portuguese and Icelandic perspectives on environmental challenges like melting ice and desertification.
International collaboration played a significant role in the project’s success. Partnerships with the University of Iceland and Norwegian choreographer Heidi Rustgaard enriched the programme with cross-border knowledge and innovative approaches. These collaborations included residencies, conferences, and joint artistic productions, which not only enhanced the project’s content but also strengthened bilateral relations and visibility. For example, Fôlego’s work was showcased at global events such as the UN COP in Egypt and a UNESCO conference in Japan, amplifying its impact beyond Portugal.
Volunteer involvement was another notable aspect, with 12 volunteers and numerous community members participating in various activities. Their contributions underscored the project’s emphasis on grassroots engagement and collective action.
In summary, the Fôlego project delivered a multifaceted programme of artistic, educational, and collaborative activities, producing tangible outputs such as digital manuals, artistic productions, and training initiatives. By combining local participation with international expertise, it successfully promoted cultural vitality, environmental consciousness, and sustainable development in Portugal’s low-density regions.
One of the most notable achievements was the substantial public participation in artistic and cultural activities. A total of 6.810 individuals attended the project''s events, exceeding the original forecast by 36%. These attendees included residents of all ages from the participating municipalities—Maçâo, Oleiros, Proença-a-Nova, Sertã, Vila de Rei, Covilhã, and Vila Velha de Ródão—many of whom had limited prior access to such cultural offerings. By staging 62 artistic productions and 100 public presentations in unconventional venues like schools, libraries, and public squares, the project democratised access to the arts while integrating themes of climate change and sustainability. This approach not only enriched local cultural life but also raised awareness about pressing environmental issues.
The project had a profound impact on young participants, particularly students involved in collaborative artistic initiatives. For example, secondary school students in Sertã worked closely with Norwegian choreographers to create the Fest en Fest Festival, which used repurposed burned wood as part of its staging. This hands-on experience empowered the students to articulate their concerns about climate change, culminating in the powerful collective statement: "IF WE DO NOT ACT TO CHANGE, THERE WILL BE NO MORE SEASONS!" Such activities fostered a sense of agency among young people, equipping them with creative tools to engage with environmental challenges.
Five training sessions were conducted, covering entrepreneurship, creative industries, and sustainable business practices. These sessions equipped participants with practical skills and knowledge, enabling them to develop and sustain their creative enterprises. The resulting Sustainable Business Manual served as a lasting resource, offering guidance on topics such as management, financing, and legal considerations. By establishing a network of like-minded individuals, the project created opportunities for ongoing collaboration and mutual support among local creatives.
The project''s emphasis on participatory art processes engaged 12 volunteers and numerous community members, strengthening social cohesion and collective ownership of local cultural initiatives. These volunteers played active roles in organising events and co-creating artistic content, which enhanced their skills and deepened their connection to their communities. The inclusive nature of these activities ensured that marginalised or less visible groups had opportunities to contribute and be heard.
At an institutional level, Fôlego strengthened inter-municipal collaboration and international partnerships. The close cooperation between local councils, the national partner Mapa das Ideias, and international entities like the University of Iceland and Norwegian choreographer Heidi Rustgaard enriched the project''s scope and impact. The bilateral exchanges—including residencies, conferences, and joint artistic productions—facilitated knowledge transfer and cross-cultural dialogue. For instance, the collaboration with the University of Iceland led to conferences and residencies that explored shared environmental challenges, such as desertification and melting ice, linking local Portuguese concerns to global narratives. These activities were documented in the Manual of Best Practices, which continues to serve as a reference for other regions seeking to address climate change through cultural initiatives.
The project''s reach extended beyond Portugal through its association with international platforms. Contributions from Fôlego were featured at high-profile events such as the UN COP in Egypt, a UNESCO conference in Japan, and the BRIDGES UNESCO coalition, amplifying its message and methodologies on a global stage. This visibility not only validated the project''s innovative approach but also positioned its partner municipalities as active participants in international sustainability dialogues.
In terms of long-term impacts, the project laid the groundwork for sustained cultural and environmental engagement in the region. The networks, resources, and methodologies developed during Fôlego—such as the digital manuals and the community of trained entrepreneurs—continue to inspire local initiatives. The project''s success in exceeding its targets for participation and artistic output demonstrates its effectiveness in addressing the cultural and environmental needs of low-density areas.
In summary, the Fôlego project achieved meaningful outcomes for a wide range of beneficiaries, including local residents, students, artists, entrepreneurs, and municipal institutions. By combining artistic innovation with environmental education and capacity-building, it not only enriched cultural life in underserved regions but also empowered communities to engage with sustainability in creative and enduring ways. The project''s legacy lives on through its publications, networks, and the heightened awareness it fostered among participants, ensuring that its impact will continue to resonate well beyond the funding period.
Summary of bilateral results
The bilateral partnerships with the University of Iceland and Norwegian choreographer Heidi Rustgaard significantly enriched the Fôlego project’s outcomes by introducing international expertise, innovative methodologies, and cross-cultural perspectives. These collaborations elevated the project’s artistic and environmental dimensions, fostering knowledge exchange and broadening its impact. The University of Iceland contributed through residencies, conferences, and research, creating a platform for Portuguese and Icelandic artists and academics to explore shared climate challenges like desertification and melting ice. This partnership also amplified the project’s global visibility, with Fôlego featured at events such as the UN COP in Egypt and UNESCO conferences.Norwegian choreographer Heidi Rustgaard’s involvement brought hands-on artistic innovation, particularly through the Fest en Fest Festival, where students used burned wood to create performances addressing climate change. This collaboration not only enhanced the project’s creative output but also empowered local youth with activist approaches to environmental issues.Key bilateral results included the co-creation of the Manual of Best Practices, which integrated international insights, and the establishment of lasting professional networks. The project plans to sustain these partnerships, with ongoing discussions for future collaborations, ensuring the continued exchange of ideas and practices beyond the project’s formal conclusion. These bilateral ties not only strengthened Fôlego’s immediate outcomes but also laid the foundation for long-term international cooperation in culture and sustainability.