Inspiring art encounters at Porto oriental area with Casa São Roque and A Sede

Down-at-heel Oriental area in Porto is becoming revitalised; the bicentennial and recouped Casa São Roque and the renovated gallery A Sede offer cultural attraction regarding contemporary art and art deco. For art's sake, pay them a visit.

The inauguration of Casa São Roque took place a little over a month ago, and "A Sede" gallery just moved to that area, as it was previously located at Santa Catarina, in downtown Porto.

We find it the perfect place to spend leisure hours this rainy weekend in Porto.

The Casa São Roque is open on a daily basis, between 1.30pm and 7pm. It closes on Tuesdays.

The Palace Ramos Pinto, aka Casa São Roque, was once derelict and in ruins, until Mayor of Porto, Rui Moreira decided it was time to renovate such a splendid space and open it to the community for the sake of art and the pursuit of public happiness.

The Palacete Ramos Pinto building dates from the 18th century, and its garden goes hand-in-hand with the Parque of São Roque; now it houses the newest Contemporary Art Centre in Porto.

Art Collector Pedro Álvares Ribeiro curated its first exhibition in this venue - the Ana Jotta Contemporary Art exhibition- inviting everyone to see the renovated building and to appreciate the display.

Three floors and special artwork on display at the Inventory exhibition by Ana Jotta, which will be on display till 8th March and presents circa 60 installation, sculpture, video and in-situ intervention works.

"We feature over 500 artwork by 35 national and international artists", says Pedro Álvares Ribeiro, president of Casa São Roque and holder of the collection on display. "But the house itself is an artistic object, with furniture designed by architect Marques da Silva, and stucco-work by the Meira, and a garden designed by landscape-gardener Jacinto de Matos", Pedro Álvares Ribeiro adds.

The arts centre also includes the garden, which fuses with the Park of São Roque, and the eight metres high garage, devoted to major works' display. Parallel programming includes concerts, book launches and wine tastings.

"A Sede" gallery, located at Corujeira, is a space devoted to visual arts and literature. After a two-year gap, architect Jorge Garcia Pereira brough the space to life.

"We have two exhibition rooms, an outdoor space for book presentations, debates and conferences".

"A Sede" is targeted at presenting a quarterly programming so as to"feature good art to that area of Porto", and also a new perception of art and craft. A curator at a time, invited by exhibition, will in turn invite lesser known artists that are presenting painting, sculpture and photography artwork. On display, the exhibition "Precipício", by Miguel Oliveira, on display at the gallery till 7th December.