The exteriors of the new cultural centre in Ribeira Grande – on São Miguel, one of the Azorean islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean – are characterised by solid-masonry gable walls of volcanic rock and coarse concrete surfaces. On the grounds of a former tobacco and alcohol factory, a new campus has been brought about that interweaves the new structures with the existing buildings dating to the late nineteenth century.
The project was initiated by the minister of culture, whose goal is to foster contemporary art and architecture and furnish a new space for it on an island with an area of only 700 square kilometer. In addition to exhibitions of, among other things, its own collection of modern art, there are now spaces for workshops, conferences, concerts and special events.
The new Arquipélago Contemporary Arts Centre is a city within the city: it has its own network of paths, including squares and points of access, and also uses the 3000 square meter outdoor space to present art. The former manufacturing facilities were gutted; then the buildings were comprehensively refurbished. They now provide the generously scaled framework for the exhibitions. The rooms that require a higher technical standard – these include the event spaces, workshops and ateliers – are situated in the new buildings.
The project was initiated by the minister of culture, whose goal is to foster contemporary art and architecture and furnish a new space for it on an island with an area of only 700 square kilometer. In addition to exhibitions of, among other things, its own collection of modern art, there are now spaces for workshops, conferences, concerts and special events.
The new Arquipélago Contemporary Arts Centre is a city within the city: it has its own network of paths, including squares and points of access, and also uses the 3000 square meter outdoor space to present art. The former manufacturing facilities were gutted; then the buildings were comprehensively refurbished. They now provide the generously scaled framework for the exhibitions. The rooms that require a higher technical standard – these include the event spaces, workshops and ateliers – are situated in the new buildings.