Culture builds a true community at Porto University

The importance of culture lies in the way a society defines its identity. This understanding has led the new Rector of the University of Porto (UP), António de Sousa Pereira and his team to design a new cultural paradigm and the shift is set to kick off as of 22 March 2019.

Porto University will be the bonding element of the entire academic community, and for the first time there will be a vice-rector in charge of Culture in UP, Fátima Vieira, Professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Porto.

On 22 March 2019, the day that marks the University of Porto's 108 anniversary is also the date that will officially establish the Rectory as the element for collating the community's cultural and artistic identity by means of producing cross-disciplinary events.

"Culture is an economic development driver", enthuses Fátima Vieira, the first vice-rector for Culture in Porto University.

The goal is "to point out the true culture dynamics of Porto", Fátima Vieira added, and there are many examples of this close relationship that already exists, namely, Casa Museu Abel Salazar, Foundation Instituto Marques da Silva, the Biodiversity Gallery and the faculties' museums".

Besides the topical areas in place, like "Porto Liberal" and "Figura Eminente", when culture is read as one of the most important components to identifying a society or community, culture acts as the lifeblood of a vibrant city.

The future is bright as the new vice-rector affirms that partnership work is key to respond to the ever demanding challenges, be it at regional, national or international level.

The UP will develop a regular agenda, bringing together several players such as the academic community - students, alumni, professors and staff - and the institutional partners - cultural agents in Porto, Porto City Hall, Theatres and Foundations.

One of the novelties is the initiative "À quarta na Reitoria" ["Wednesdays at the Rectory", free translation], which can play host to a performance, a concert, a debate or to the permanent exhibitions.

The students will be in charge of Fridays, regarding programming, "and there will be grants with the purpose of supporting the cultural programming".
Also, the first Saturday of every month will offer regular cultural events. Another highlight will be the "Acontece na U.Porto" app ["It happens in UP", free translation], which will enable people to check the ongoing events for the day.

Next March will show that Culture will fulfil its role in building a true Porto University community.