Trafaria is a historical fishing village located in Portugal, within the administrative region of Almada and near the metropolitan area of Lisbon. Established in the 16th century, Trafaria’s identity is deeply connected to fishing. However, global influences, overfishing, and tourism have notably changed the community. The missions of the T-Factor Trafaria pilot serve as a blueprint for their efforts towards community revitalisation, focusing on cultural identity, education, and infrastructure.

/meanwhile missions

Shared, Locally Rooted Identities

Involve locals in the collective discovery and re-appreciation of their own identity, aided by digital tools for capturing and sharing narratives.

Innovative Education and Training

To foster innovative educational and training programs in Trafaria, bridging the gap between academia and the local community, the mission employes hands-on workshops and seminars.

Attractive & Accessible Area

To improve Trafaria’s accessibility and appeal by collaborating with local authorities on infrastructure and essential services, offering better connectivity and amenities.

/Prototypes

PUBLIC CULTURAL PROGRAMMING

The cultural programming prototype at Trafaria resulted in a diverse array of on- the-ground activities. These included artist residencies and festivals that engaged six artists over a two-week period, contributing to a digital media festival. Educational workshops, with a focus on slam poetry, gained popularity among both local youth and adults, culminating in public performances. Walkscapes, guided walking tours that encouraged ecological and artistic reflection, incorporated various landscapes and historical sites. Collaborative art projects involved local fishermen and artists, fostering creative collaboration within the community. Additionally, a podcast series captured the rich stories and history of the Trafaria community.

COMMUNITY KILN

CRITICAL FUTURES: Relating to Innovative Education and Training

The "Critical Futures" initiative originally started as a series of seminars involving PhD students, with the primary goal being the potential establishment of the Institute of Modern Technology in the Trafaria region. While the project's direction has since changed, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of these early activities. During its initial phase, the "Critical Futures" seminars benefited greatly from the involvement of professors from UAL, particularly those specializing in art activism and curation. These professors not only provided valuable insights during their sessions but also played a crucial role in facilitating the fieldwork in Trafaria.

CRITICAL FUTURES

/Pilot emerging themes

Community Understanding and Engagement

From the outset, a key challenge was pinpointing the exact makeup of the Trafaria community. Despite being a quaint village, Trafaria stretches across a vast territory. It boasts a central hub with unique attributes, but also encompasses distinct sub-communities. In the early stages, we made significant strides in mapping these communities to ensure every voice was heard. Another hurdle was the lack of interaction among the three main communities. Our project facilitated opportunities for these disparate groups to connect. Complicating matters further, the region was experiencing change due to increasing tourist influx. This meant that we weren’t working with static communities; they were continually evolving and adapting, which remains a persistent challenge.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

This collaboration brings together diverse fields such as technology, science, engineering, and the social sciences. The project leverages the strengths and insights of these varied disciplines to create a more holistic and enriched educational and community experience. This approach underlines the importance of cross-disciplinary partnerships in fostering innovation and creativity, particularly in projects that blend artistic and technological elements.

Adaptability and Flexibility

Necessity to adapt to changing circumstances and community needs. This adaptability is essential in addressing the dynamic needs of the community and overcoming challenges like construction delays and evolving project requirements. The project team’s ability to adjust strategies and approaches in response to these changing circumstances is vital for maintaining momentum and ensuring the project’s ongoing relevance and effectiveness within the community.

Local Partnerships

Building relationships with local entities for successful project implementation. These partnerships are crucial for grounding the project in the local context, ensuring community involvement, and leveraging local knowledge and resources. Collaborating with local entities, including municipal bodies and community organisations, helps in aligning the project’s objectives with the community’s needs and aspirations, thereby enhancing its effectiveness and sustainability.

Cultural and Creative Expression

Fostering artistic creativity through participatory art and digital platforms. There is an emphasis on respecting cultural and creative expression in the context of the Institute of Art and Technology project. This respect is manifested through initiatives that encourage artistic creativity and cultural expression, such as participatory art and digital platforms. These efforts underscore the project’s commitment to valuing and nurturing the diverse cultural heritage and creative potential within the community, fostering an environment where artistic expression is celebrated and integrated into the fabric of the project.

Educational Outreach

Linking educational institutions with community-based projects, which involves linking educational institutions with the project to enhance learning opportunities and promote knowledge exchange. The outreach activities are aimed at enriching the educational experience by integrating practical, community-based elements, thereby bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. This approach facilitates a more comprehensive and experiential form of education.

Challenges in Project Implementation

Issues such as construction delays, challenges in project implementation and communication barriers highlight the complexities involved in executing a multifaceted project like the Institute of Art and Technology. This is particularly relevant in terms of coordinating with different stakeholders and ensuring the project remains aligned with its intended goals amidst evolving circumstances.

Impact and Legacy

Reflection on the project’s influence on the community and future potential. The pilot, through its various initiatives and community engagement efforts, aimed to leave a lasting positive impact on the local community. The legacy aspect pertains to the project’s potential to inspire future initiatives, contribute to the cultural and educational landscape of the area, and serve as a model for similar interdisciplinary projects that blend art, technology, and community collaboration.