Vanguard Properties is to become a patron of the MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology as part of a partnership with the EDP Foundation. The property development company is thus the first entity to become a patron of the museum, for an initial period of one year.
This partnership began with Vanguard Properties' support for the exhibition Nosso Barco Tambor do Terra, a large installation by Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto, which is on show at the MAAT Gallery until 7 October.
Aware of the importance of its role in society and with a view to contributing to the enrichment of the communities in which it operates, Vanguard Properties has pursued an policy of active sponsorship and social responsibility since its foundation and which extends to various areas, with a particular emphasis on the arts.
Artist residency programme and new exhibition pavilion at MAAT Garden
A regular collaborator with MAAT on various projects, ArtWorks – which recently became part of the Vanguard Signature Group – is also establishing an important partnership with the museum. Both entities have now joined forces to create a new Artist Residency programme where, for a period of three years, young creators will be provided with a unique production experience, culminating in a presentation of the work developed in a pavilion recently installed in the MAAT Garden by the studio Clanet&Brito.
In the words of José Cardoso Botelho, CEO of Vanguard Properties: ‘Becoming a patron of a museum with the prestige of MAAT reinforces the group's commitment to the promotion of culture and creativity in Portugal. Supporting exhibitions by major international artists such as Ernesto Neto is a way of enriching the experience of the general public, allowing them to see internationally renowned art in Lisbon, while the artist residency project aims to support new creators and afford them greater visibility.
These artist residencies embody this vision for the future, in which ArtWorks has played an important role. We believe that art is fundamental to strengthening communities and this collaboration marks an important step in that direction.’
For her part, Vera Pinto Pereira, president of the EDP Foundation, said: ‘We believe in the value of partnerships as a true engine of innovation and development and in order to reinforce our ongoing commitment to making MAAT a vibrant and dynamic space, capable of mobilising and involving its various audiences. In this sense, Vanguard Properties strengthens our mission to promote access to culture and art, areas we believe have a transformative impact on society and which have the power to inspire a more inclusive and conscious future.’
Artists participating in this residency programme will be selected by the two partner organisations, with the artworks to be developed at the ArtWorks facilities in Póvoa do Varzim, culminating in an exhibition at MAAT.
The first residency was undertaken by Brazilian multidisciplinary artist Jota Mombaça, who forms part of the exhibition Black Ancient Futures, opening on 18 September at MAAT.
The work resulting from this first residency will inaugurate the pavilion installed in the MAAT Garden by ArtWorks.
Created by studio Clanet&Brito in glass and steel, the transparent pavilion has an area of 64m2 and, due to its location in the garden and with the Tagus River in the background, represents an interesting addition to the exhibition space of what is one of Lisbon's most significant centres for contemporary art.
