Coastal Cultural Centre - Creation of the Centre for Maritime Knowledge and Culture and Enhancement of Sesimbra's Coastal Cultural Heritage

About this project

<p style="text-align: justify">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.</p>

Bilateral cooperation 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.

Project partners

• Norwegian Maritime Museum Donor project partner· Norway
• University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway Donor project partner· Norway
• Association of Local and Artisanal Fisheries Owners of the Center and South Project partner· Portugal
• ArtesanalPesca - Fisheries Producers Organization, C.R.L. Project partner· Portugal