Women in Beira
The 1st edition of the Mulheres na Beira exhibition opened on July 1, 2023, with the aim of recognizing and stimulating the visibility of female artistic production in the Covilhã region. Curated by Luísa Leão, the opening featured a group exhibition with 7 visual artists, a film screening and performances of music, poetry and reading.
Understanding the growing diversity of media, techniques and perspectives present in contemporary art and the creative potential of the new generation of women artists, it is important to create spaces for dialogue and bridges. The aim of the Women on the Edge project is to bring together artists from different fields to exchange experiences and dialog with the non-academic context. As a social intervention cooperative that has been active for 16 years, CooLabora provided the practical and emotional support for the event.
The exhibition included works by textile artists Virgínia Garbin and Giulia Paz, visual artists Rafaela Sales and Lisi Moresco, filmmaker Renata Ferraz, digital illustration by Sara Cardoso and a photographic installation by Anna Petracca. The opening was attended by author Carolina Rodrigues, cellist Isabel and performances by Amanita and Ana Leonor Morais, who shared their art and experiences. The exhibition was available at CooLabora throughout the month.
Women in Beira
(at the Edge of Revolution)
The Mulheres na Beira curatorial project had its second edition on March 8, 2024, also at CooLabora. In the context of the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution in Portugal, the event aimed to recognize and stimulate the visibility of women's artistic production, this time based on the theme of democracy and freedom. With plurality as its main pillar, the exhibition articulates issues of feminism - in history and contemporaneity - using the most diverse supports, materials and artistic techniques.
The 2nd edition was made up of visual artists Marta Vilarinho, Raquel Fradique, Luana Lobato, Sheila Ramirez, Migdala, Rafaela Sales, Giulia Paz and Beatriz Guerreiro, photographer Mariquinha Cafuquena and the ladies' group from the Covilhã Activity Center. The opening of the exhibition featured performances by adufeira Leonor Narciso, writer Kara Pietra, dancer Lisi Moresco and musician Maria Cordeiro.
With April 25, 1974, many rights were acquired. During these 50 years of freedom, existing as a woman represents a daily, dichotomous struggle between old prejudices and new challenges. More than ever, the exchange between generations can be a necessary tool against conservatism, which has led to the loss of human and social rights around the world.