English Version | In the name of art

It is called PL'A ARTE and is a platform that aims to enhance the place of art in all sectors of society. Vogue Portugal wanted to know how this project, which was born during the pandemic, is changing the lives of dozens of artists.

It was born with the goal to “give art a space” and that is precisely its motto. Founded during the early days of the pandemic, when culture no longer had a place in the (atypical) daily lives of thousands of people, PL'A ARTE [in English, “for the sake of art”] is an independent, “civic and non-profit” platform, co-founded by a group of artistic professionals who decided to give their contribution, according to their area of expertise, to “give art a place” - and thus expand the impact of its players, established or not, in the national and international cultural scene. On the eve of another edition of one of its initiatives (we'll be there soon), Vogue Portugal talked to three of its co-founders, Susana Prudêncio, Beatriz Horta Correia, and Valentim Quaresma to find out more about this project that is revolutionizing the lives of dozens of artists. “The pandemic exposed the fragility of many creators’ lives because many of them had no space to work and had great difficulty in exhibiting their work. We started to receive news from one person and another, we got together and decided to try to find, with private and public entities, spaces that could be given free of charge to these artists, and then opportunities would arise to hold exhibitions or workshops open to the public. This is how P'LA ARTE platform came about”, says Susana Prudêncio. 

“We all work in the area, we all have connections with artists, Beatriz and Valentine are artists, but we had never felt this call, it was only during the pandemic, [the fact] that we were locked in our homes and realized the difficulties the industry was going through, that made us act.” Some bad things come for good. The pandemic, with all its dramatic consequences, turned out to be the catalyst that brought people together who wanted to “help.” The name that was chosen, PL'A ARTE, is not devoid of meanings. Beatriz Horta Correia underlines: “We have a motto, which is ‘to give art space and it's a bit like the idea of bringing, and creating, synergies between various people, bringing various ideas together, so that we can create new things. We've already done a series of projects, but that doesn't mean we can't do other types of activities, we don't have a pre-defined program, it's according to what we think makes sense to do that we have the capacity to do.”

One of the most relevant actions of the platform is the PL'A ARTE Market, which takes place every first Saturday of each month in the parking lot of the Prata Riverside Village, in Marvila. An innovative experience where, in addition to the exhibition and sale of the works of more than thirty artists, chosen by the founders of the platform according to the applications received, conversations, workshops, and film screenings take place. An event that expands the concept of “open gallery” and extends it to all art lovers - and to the many curious people who, since the first edition, find here a new way to interact with the artistic community. There are no exact numbers, but it is known that each edition of PL'A ARTE Market has, on average, 800 to 1000 visitors. A significant value, if we consider that many of these people have in the Market a new type of contact with art, and artists - a more personal and dynamic contact, which leaves room for the exchange of impressions, stimulating sales. As the co-founders of PL'A ARTE explain, transactions don't always happen “on the spot”, and that's not necessarily a bad thing; it means, on the contrary, that the piece “got into the buyer’s head” and that the work had enough impact to decide to go ahead with the purchase.

On October 4th PL'A ARTE Market was, for the first time, dedicated to Fashion. Something to repeat, says Valentim Quaresma - he is keen to point out that he is not a “curator” - for whom this novelty has particular relevance since he is one of the most important names in the national fashion industry. Quaresma highlights, for example, “the synergies that can be created, not only between artists but also between artists and sponsors” that accept the invitation to work with the platform. “Our platform is proof that there can be projects that don't involve money and that can work out, through help”, he emphasizes. The bridge made by PL'A ARTE and some entities is essential because it is precisely this intricate side of logistics that often prevents artists from “moving forward.” In the end, this is a project that also contributes to the education of the population, in an almost unlimited exchange of knowledge and aesthetics that might otherwise never get “off the paper.” By getting several artists to stay, for a period of a year, with a studio, PL'A ARTE manages to stimulate artistic creation, and thus ensure that no idea is left behind. Because complications, pandemic related or otherwise, should never be the reason that prevents a masterpiece from coming to life.

Translated from the original on The Butterfly Effect issue from Vogue Portugal, published October 2022.Full story and credits on the print issue.