ALMADA Project distinguished in the European Awards for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards 2023
ALMADA project, coordinated by Milene Gil, researcher at the University of Évora's HERCULES Laboratory, was awarded in the category of citizen involvement and awareness in the European Cultural Heritage Awards/ Europa Nostra Awards 2023. ALMADA - Unveiling the Art of Wallpainting by Almada Negreiros is a multidisciplinary project that uses scientific research to reveal the mural art of Almada Negreiros, one of the most influential Portuguese artists of the twentieth century, so it was with "great joy that I and the ALMADA project team learned of the conquest of the award EUROPA NOSTRA 2023 in the category of citizen involvement and awareness" reacts Milene Gil, considering that the awarding of this prize to the candidacy entitled Project ALMADA is for Everyone anywhere "is confirmation that we are on the right track when we invest in sharing knowledge and attracting different audiences to the heritage cause".
The researcher from the University of Évora believes that "cultural heritage should increasingly be understood as a cultural and social value that concerns everyone, in whose enhancement and protection everyone is important", but for this, Milene Gil stresses, "it is necessary to know and make it known, and this is the mission of the ALMADA project researchers since March 2021".
Almada Negreiros "left us five centers of modern mural painting in line with the best that was done in Europe and America in the first half of the twentieth century, so in the last two years, the team has systematically researched several of the mural paintings and communicated the results of the research in various ways to different audiences, both in person and online.
The UÉ researcher stresses that for the first time "visitors were invited up on the scaffolding during the analytical campaigns to talk to us and observe the paintings up close. And this is just one example of the many activities carried out that made a difference and that drive us forward."
The researcher recalls that between 1938 and 1956, Almada Negreiros created five iconic sets of modern mural paintings in Lisbon. "These remarkable works of art, located in the city center, are known for their artistic quality and monumental presence. Unfortunately, until recently, they had been the subject of limited material and technical research and lacked recognition as artistic and cultural heritage, remaining unknown to the general public, particularly the younger generations," laments Milene Gil,
This project thus follows a policy of open science, in collaboration between academia and citizens, and its main goal is to deepen knowledge and conserve this important element of the Portuguese avant-garde and modernism.
Initiated in March 2021, the ALMADA project has adopted an innovative approach to achieve these goals. Using state-of-the-art analytical and imaging tools, revealing new information about the materials, techniques and current state of the wall paintings. By analyzing the phenomena of deterioration, identifying the causes and assessing the associated risks, this project establishes guidelines for the future conservation and sustainable management of wall paintings.
Thus, the researchers involved in the campaigns use inclusive, participatory and innovative approaches to promote public access and involvement. "This includes reaching out to local communities and global audiences, enhancing cultural education through interactive tools, videos, workshops, guided tours and lectures" says Milene Gil, where the "Everyone Anywhere" strategy "is fundamental, since community support and public awareness are crucial to the success of cultural heritage conservation".
This approach is based on an interdisciplinary, collaborative, transnational and open vision, relying on historical and technical research in art history, scientific analysis and creative public outreach activities carried out by the University of Évora's HERCULES Laboratory in partnership with the Directorate General of Cultural Heritage (DGPC), the Institute of Art History of the NOVA University of Lisbon (IHA-FCSH/UNL) and the Port of Lisbon Administration (APL).
"Project ALMADA goes beyond simple restoration by explaining the science behind the process, advocating the importance of conservation and promoting a deeper understanding of its necessity. By attracting and engaging a wide and diverse audience, the project succeeds in raising awareness of the significance of post-World War II murals and honors the legacy of Almada Negreiros, an influential figure in Portugal's modernist phase, by adding another layer of meaning to his efforts. A remarkable aspect of the project is the opportunity to see the mural paintings up close, offering a memorable experience," said the jury of this award.
The Project coordinated by the Alentejo academy researcher, "takes climate action seriously, measuring the impact of climate change on the murals and incorporating this information into future management plans for the city. Using digital tools, the project also offers a wide range of online teaching resources, bridging the gap between the academic world and the general public," added the Jury.
In addition to this project, the University of Évora saw another one recognized, led by Cláudio Torres, archaeologist and Doctor Honoris Causa by the University of Évora, in the category "Champions of Heritage" and whose nomination was supported from the outset by the rectory, for its fundamental role in the enhancement and conservation of Islamic heritage in Portugal, in an edition in which 30 projects from 21 countries were distinguished.
The winners will be honored at the European awards ceremony on September 28th at the Palazzo del Cinema in Venice, Italy.
