Malacate

About this project

<p style="text-align: justify">Malacate &nbsp;addressed the socio-economic and environmental decline of Mina de São Domingos, a historically significant mining site that faced depopulation, cultural loss, and environmental degradation following its closure. The project aimed to revitalise the area by reconnecting the community with their cultural heritage through contemporary art and active participation. To tackle these challenges, the project implemented multidisciplinary artistic activities, including outdoor performances, workshops, guided tours, and installations, which reoccupied abandoned spaces with new cultural meanings. Local residents were central to these efforts, acting as co-creators and performers, ensuring their direct involvement in the revitalisation process.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Key outputs of the project included the establishment of the Malacate Council to sustain participatory curatorial processes and the publication "<em>LUGAR</em>," documenting the project’s journey. International collaboration, particularly with Norwegian partners, enriched the initiative through cultural exchange and shared expertise in heritage management. The project transformed Mina de São Domingos into a vibrant open-air museum, enhancing its appeal to residents and visitors alike.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">The project planned to achieve long-term cultural and social regeneration, promoting community pride and ownership while positioning the site as a significant cultural destination. Local residents, artists, and cultural institutions were expected to benefit through improved quality of life, strengthened cultural identity, and new opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, the project’s success serves as a model for similar post-industrial communities, demonstrating the power of art and community engagement in driving sustainable revitalisation.</p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The bilateral partnership with Norwegian entities, including Røros Kommune and artists like Lise Wulff and Pobel, significantly enriched the Malacate project by promoting cross-cultural exchange and expertise-sharing. Røros, a UNESCO-listed mining town, provided valuable insights into heritage management and community-led revitalisation, which were adapted to the context of Mina de São Domingos. Norwegian artists introduced innovative artistic approaches, such as Lise Wulff’s participatory installations, which deepened local engagement and expanded the project’s creative scope. This collaboration also enhanced the project’s visibility and credibility, attracting broader stakeholder interest. At a bilateral level, the partnership yielded shared outcomes, including improved knowledge of post-industrial heritage preservation and the development of new cultural practices. It strengthened networks between Portuguese and Norwegian cultural institutions, paving the way for future collaborations. While no formal agreement is currently in place, both sides expressed interest in maintaining contact and exploring further joint initiatives, reflecting the partnership’s lasting value. The donor partner’s involvement thus not only elevated the project’s impact but also laid foundations for ongoing international cooperation in cultural regeneration.

Project partners

• Lise Wulff Donor project partner· Norway
• Roros Municipality Donor project partner· Norway
• Mértola Municipality Project partner· Portugal