Culture

Origin

Baci Sospesi is an international multimedia art project initiated by Italian artist Barbara Sbrocca during the initial Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. It serves as an exploration of human relationships, delving into the most peculiar human traits, those which unite all of us, transcending any perceived differences.

This project will take place in Leiria from July 14 – 22, 2024. The workshop will culminate in an exhibition showcasing the artworks created. This event marks the beginning of a global artistic movement advocating for inclusion, empowerment, and awareness.

Scope

Through the collaboration of three organizations (Blu Shabaka APS from Italy, KulturNest from Germany, and Hirundo NGO from Portugal), and Livraria Arquivo, in Leiria, we are now bringing the seeds of Baci Sospesi to Portugal, turning Leiria into the first city outside Italy to host a Baci Sospesi initiative.

In July 2024, we will conduct the first artistic workshop in Leiria, inspired by the Baci Sospesi experience, with the voluntary participation of 10 artists from different backgrounds. The artists will receive training and guidance by Barbara Sbrocca (representing Blu Shabaka APS), Lorena Terzi (representing KulturNest) and Paulo Kellerman (representing Hirundo NGO) with the aim of creating new artworks that reflect the experience and values of Baci Sospesi.

All artworks created at the Baci Sospesi workshop will be auctioned during the exhibition, and proceeds will be entirely donated to support the activities of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN). EAPN is the largest European network of national, regional, and local organizations dedicated to fighting poverty and social exclusion, established in 1990.

The local artists are: Cátia Ribeiro (actress and writer), Elsa Arrais (photographer), Maraia (illustrator), Mia Ervilha (illustrator), Patrícia Martins (writer, researcher), Sílvia Bernardino (photographer, architect), Rita Rosa (actress, writer), Rute Violante (photographer), Sandrine Cordeiro (artist).