Inside this honey-colored cork box, creativity thrives. That’s MIRA Artes Performativas. This space is dedicated to performing arts. It is located on Rua Padre António Vieira. MIRA Artes Performativas opened on April 24.
MIRA Artes Performativas joins Espaço MIRA and MIRA Forum. Hugo Cruz programs the space. He is also responsible for Quintas Nómadas. These have been held at MIRA since September 2016. Experimental sessions also happen here. The doors may open for rehearsals. This allows a glimpse into the creation process.
Tertúlias and conversations are part of the project. Workshops and cinema screenings also occur. Concerts and exhibitions find their place here too. A monthly poetry session is scheduled. It takes place on the third Wednesday of each month. A session dedicated to women also occurs. It happens on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
MIRA Artes Performativas is part of a bigger story. Manuela Matos Monteiro and João Lafuente founded Espaço MIRA and MIRA Forum in 2013. They transformed abandoned warehouses into cultural spaces. These warehouses date back to between 1908 and 1917. They once served the commerce of Campanhã station. Wine storage once happened here. Fishing nets and office supplies were also manufactured. New routes caused their decline.
Manuela and João acquired two warehouses. These became Espaço MIRA and MIRA Forum. They respected the original design during recovery. Their initiative inspired others. Now eleven warehouses are mostly occupied by artists.
Espaço MIRA focuses on photography. It explores photography’s relationship with other arts. José Maia directs the exhibitions. He seeks to expand photography’s field. Conferences explore the role of photography. Artist residencies are an important component.
MIRA Forum is an interdisciplinary space. It functions as a cultural center. It offers exhibitions and book launches. Conferences and debates take place here. Concerts and dance shows also happen.
Before MIRA existed, culture was concentrated in certain areas. Manuela Monteiro and João Lafuente’s idea seemed absurd. They wanted to install a photography gallery in Campanhã. People said they were crazy. They thought an art gallery had no reason to exist there.
The couple recovered some warehouses. They did it because there weren’t spaces for photographers to meet. They used to meet at Café Poeta. It was a place to talk about photography.
MIRA expanded before its inauguration. An architecture event used the warehouses. MIRA proposed an exhibition. It included writing and video. Painting, photography and illustration were also displayed.
MIRA has developed a relationship with the locals. This relationship has grown exponentially. Manuela wanted to avoid appropriating the neighbors. The process began with conversations. They talked about the weather and health. Cats and parking were also discussed. The galleries became part of daily life. Dinners with artists happen at Dona Rosa’s restaurant. Drinks after openings are at Associação Malmequeres de Noêda. A community garden is managed by both institutions.
Filipe Lourenço is president of Malmequeres de Noêda. He speaks proudly of the renovation work. The association now has a dance group. They offer Jiu-Jitsu classes. They recently started a futsal team. He is proud that MIRA premiered a play. It was by a British artist on their stage.
Residents gave Manuela and João a golden plaque for MIRA’s 10th anniversary. It was engraved with words of appreciation. This object has a special place among the celebrations.
MIRA Artes Performativas continues this legacy. It’s a space for creativity and community.