A glowing third edition

For the third year in a row, Futurama Festival proved to be a winning bet, bearing more and more fruit. The different generations of the local communities of Serpa, Mértola and Beja answered the call and participated in a vast, diverse and inclusive programme.

In numbers, 35 artists and collectives took part in 22 events, which happened in 16 venues of three municipalities. In total, more than 2,800 people got in touch with the different artistic expressions. Between 27 September and 12 October, the festival offered dance workshops, theatre performances, concerts, talks, plus a public art installation and an exhibition/walk that lasted beyond the festival's timeline.

On a special note, the dialogue established between local artists and national and international creators, shortening the distance between Portugal and Spain in an unprecedented way. But also, and above all, the impact of the different activities on local communities. The entrance was free of charge for all generations to all the events, but there was also opportunity to build bridges directly with the gypsy community, In the Dance of the Free Bodies, as choreographer Piny took to the Bairro da Esperança (Hope Neighborhood) in Beja, and with the migrant community - through the Backpacks of Hope project, which brought together visual artist Maria Imaginário and students from the Diogo Gouveia High School in Beja.

The educational component of the festival, which led artists to schools and students to cultural spaces, was also highlighted in Mértola, as Os Espacialistas developed an exhibition/game/walk with the students of the Hunting Management - Hunting, Agriculture and Nature course at the ALSUD Professional School, titled Word Hunt: Hunting, Sowing and Speaking. And in Serpa, where choreographer Filipa Francisco and the 10th B class from the High School raised the question Where Are We Going? Beja-born choreographer Márcia Lança returned home to inspire the Futurama Ambassadors in a participatory community moment which, from an initial need for "noise", brought out the revolutionary side of affection.

Artistic director John Romão's assessment of the 3rd edition of the Futurama Festival was "glowing". And he added: "We are committed to continuing to build a safe and integrated space for the development of contemporary artistic practices in the Baixo Alentejo, through a profound dialogue with the local human and cultural heritage, which involves, sensitises and empowers communities."