INSUL’Arts

About this project

<p style="text-align: justify">INSUL'Arts addressed the cultural and social isolation of Madeira, an island territory facing geographic and economic barriers due to its remoteness. Limited transport options and distance from mainland Europe restrict access to artistic opportunities, particularly for marginalised groups such as people with disabilities.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Through 31 artistic productions and cultural mediation activities across Madeira, Viseu, and Stavanger, Norway, the project engaged diverse communities, created jobs, and provided specialised training in contemporary arts. A key collaboration with Norway’s dybwikdans enhanced bilateral exchange, enabling knowledge-sharing in inclusive arts and expanding the reach of productions like&nbsp;<em>OvO</em>, which remains in international circulation.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">The project strengthened Madeira’s cultural infrastructure, ensuring sustainability through continued performances, partnerships, and future funding applications. It benefited local artists, participants with and without disabilities, and broader audiences by improving access to inclusive arts, professional development, and cross-border collaborations. By redefining the island’s artistic identity and fostering international ties, INSUL’Arts ensured lasting cultural and social impact beyond its initial funding period.</p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The bilateral partnership with Norwegian dance company dybwikdans significantly enhanced the INSUL’Arts project through artistic collaboration and knowledge exchange. Their expertise in creating performances for young audiences enriched the co-production OvO, now part of dybwikdans' permanent repertoire, ensuring its longevity beyond the project. The Norwegian partner provided valuable training in inclusive arts methodologies, particularly for early childhood audiences, while Dançando com a Diferença shared its distinctive philosophy of disability-inclusive performance. This reciprocal learning was formalised through a seminar in Stavanger, which attracted international professionals and led to further exchanges, such as a Lithuanian artist's residency in Madeira. The partnership amplified the project's visibility through international performances and created networking opportunities with European cultural stakeholders. Crucially, it established a foundation for future collaborations, with both organisations actively planning joint applications for European funding. The bilateral cooperation not only strengthened the artistic quality and reach of INSUL’Arts but also ensured its sustainability through continued performances of OvO and the development of new shared initiatives. These outcomes demonstrate how donor partnerships can extend a project's impact far beyond its original scope and geography.

Project partners

• DybwikDans Donor project partner· Norway
• Funchal Municipality Project partner· Portugal
• Centro de Artes e do Espetáculo de Viseu Project partner· Portugal