The University of Porto has now a Vice-Rector for Culture
Article
Filipa Brito
On 22 March 2019 the University of Porto celebrates its 108th anniversary with a new paradigm shift as it is also the date that marks the establishment of the position of Vice-Rector for Culture, whose aim is to help support and safeguard the University's cultural strengths and assets develop the University's brand.
The Rectory will be the aggregating place to include the entire UP cultural and artistic community, namely accommodating students' cultural activities and consolidating and take forward the University of Porto cultural activity.
"Culture is, also, the driver of economy", reiterated Fátima Vieira, Professor at the Faculty of Arts, of the University of Porto (FLUP), and now the UP Vice-Rector for Culture.
The diversity of cultural activity at the University of Porto is a great strength and it is of the utmost importance to the institution's life and future; thus the new paradigm in the University's planning and decision-making machinery with the establishment of this department, which aims to help improve the University's working, research and learning environment as well as to enhance the University's external relationships.
Moreover, one of the objectives "is to clearly demonstrate the close relationship that exists between some of the city's cultural institutions, and I am thinking, for example, of Casa Museu Abel Salazar, the Foundation Instituto Marques da Silva, the Biodiversity Gallery and the museums within the faculties as well, in a genuinely integrated culture dynamic", the Vice-Rector for Culture added.
Besides these thematic basis, there is also a programming that includes initiatives such as "Porto Liberal" or "Figura Eminente" [Towering Figure].
"Other objective is to further regional, national and international partnerships", explained Fátima Vieira.
The main purpose is to establish a broad policy and development framework within the University of Porto, as culture is formally acknowledged a significant contributor to the University's success and educational excellence.