Empowering local communities through art & heritage

A local cooperative in Lisbon utilises an innovative approach, that combines arts, and tangible/intangible heritage to empower the local community!

The Intendente neighbourhood in Lisbon, Portugal, used to be known for its quality ceramics. However, factory closures, neglect and decay made that from the second half of the 20th century onwards, the neighbourhood got a bad reputation. The cultural association SOU decided to take action to connect and empower the local community.

Together with Intendente’s residents, they created the cooperative Largo Residências, that now operates a hostel, hotel, artist-in-residence, café and shop in a former ceramic factory. The building functions as a community hub. The cooperative has adopted an entrepreneurial approach to facilitate its continued operations. It utilises commercially generated revenues, from among others the hotel and hostel, to support the cultural and artistic projects and provide employment for approximately 15 employees, of which 80% is from the Intendente neighbourhood. In order to implement activities, the cooperative collaborates not only with local community members, but also with an extensive network of partners, ranging from the local municipality to NGOs and non-profit organisations.

Want to know more? Check this publication!