The
Values
Arts
Since its creation, Associação
Quinta das Relvas’ team knew they wanted to explore visual arts in relation to
the given context. Part of the team´s actual profile are artists and
art-related researchers. One of our main goal as an artistic entity is to
promote creative time and space for artistic practices in direct dialogue with
others and Nature.
It was only by doing that the farm defined what was its strength on the Arts
field: not only to promote creative and research-based practices on a rural and
decentralized context but specially to collective discuss and reflect on the
thin line where Art and the World – both natural and social – touch each
other-Art in, and pro, relationships.
Art to the people not as entertainment
but as tool; not for people to see but to think; Art as base for a
multicultural world of brotherhood based on intersubjectivity: a global will to
solidarity.
Social
The farm has unique ecosystem for creativity and outside-of-the-box thinking fuelled not only for its specific natural and cultural characteristics but also by its inhabitants and visitors!
Since its creation, the organization prioritized the investment on solid foundations- both in terms of infrastructures on site but also people training – creating a boiling pot co-work that is being used to kick-start several projects by directly supporting key players/ staff with their ideas/projects at the farm. We like to think that we are defined by that: by the connection on everyone’s’ different shape, colour and movement, by the sum of their wills and by the sharing resources to support each other.
With the power of inclusion, we create a win-win situation that resonates outside the farm walls. And how to amplify that? By keeping doors open: our free education opportunities ( EU programmes and others) give the chance to youngsters to learn and travel on symbiotic experiences that have a drastic effect on their and communities lives. These activities can take the shape of exchanges, workshops, workcamps, trainings and artistic residences, trusting on non-formal education methods to promote change and critical thinking – we not only embrace newcomers but also send locals to projects abroad – empowering our local community twice!
Interconnectivity
At the farm, the concept of interconnectivity becomes more than just a theory – it becomes a living, breathing reality.
After trial and error, we understood that that random elements hardly survive: when you’re isolated, swimming against the tide, you are weaker. So we defined our approach to what’s new by its availability to interconnectivity, focusing on providing and stablishing strong connections between ideas, people, projects, and entities.
The interconnectivity at Quinta das Relvas is not limited to the realm of nature and community; it extends to the economic and social aspects as well. By implementing regenerative practices, the farm minimizes reliance on external resources and inputs, reducing costs and creating a more economically sustainable model. Surplus produce can be shared or sold within the community, fostering local resilience, and strengthening the local economy.
Ultimately, Quinta das Relvas serves as a living testament to the power of interconnectivity within the permaculture framework. It showcases the profound impact that can be achieved when we recognize and embrace the interdependent relationships that exist within our ecosystems. By cultivating a deep understanding of these connections and nurturing them, our project demonstrates how we can create thriving, resilient, and sustainable systems that benefit both humans and the natural world.
In conclusion, interconnectivity and whole systems design is a new frontier on how we look the world it promises to revolutionize the way we interact with each other and everything around us.
Sustainability
Around here, we don´t take lightly the term “sustainability”: besides being a label that makes you look and feel good, sustainability is our generation’s responsibility and the ultimate possibility for a better future.
Our commitment to ecological integrity, social equity, and economic viability serves as a testament to what can be achieved when we align our actions with the principles of nature. As visitors stroll through the farm, they witness first-hand the potential for transformative change and are inspired to become stewards of the Earth, weaving sustainability into the fabric of their own lives.
Our farm is laboratory, a training ground, an unfinished project. At the heart of Quinta das Relvas lies the principle of sustainability, which guides every decision and action. With a deep respect for the Earth, its resources, and inhabitants Quinta das Relvas integrates ecological processes orientated by Permaculture framework and way of thinking to create a harmonious and self-sustaining ecosystem.
