Purpose:

This project aims at the social inclusion of a group of young adults living in municipal housing projects, through the promotion of personal and artistic skills in areas such as theatre, production and music.

Stimulus/Rationale

The Oeiras Local Security Contract results from an agreement between the Ministry of Internal Administration and the Municipality of Oeiras with the aim of intervening early to promote the safety conditions of the population and protection of the citizens in most vulnerable situations.

The Municipality of Oeiras understands security in the broadest sense, as a fundamental right of citizens. As such, the intervention developed within the scope of the Oeiras Local Security Contract aims to contribute to the reduction of existing problems and social vulnerabilities and invest in primary intervention processes to intervene early and effectively in the inclusion of populations as a means of preventing violence and crime, covering the greatest number of children and young people as possible.

Therefore, within the scope of its intervention, a set of projects are being developed in areas such as culture, sport, environment, safety, or active aging, with the aim of intervening, in a preventive manner, in the inclusion of diverse populations and promoting a better quality of life.

For the full development of the intervention, coordination with other entities and the establishment of partnerships are essential to face the challenges posed, in a multidisciplinary, concerted, and participatory way.

As part of the Oeiras Local Security Contract, Intercultural Mediation has been under development since January 2025. This project stems from a need identified by several partners in the region and the community for more targeted responses for the resident Roma population.

This Project is part of the Municipality's PRR (Recovery and Resilience Plan), within Component “Disadvantaged Communities”, and is developed by Roma association TECHARI – Associação Nacional e Internacional Cigana, in the priority intervention territory of the Oeiras Local Security Contract: Carnaxide Municipal Housing neighbourhood.

Process:

The “Bairro EnCena” Project is an inclusive artistic intervention project that aims to mobilize young residents of the priority intervention territories of the Oeiras Local Security Contract, aged between 18 and 35, through theatre, singing, dancing and audio-visual media and culture, allowing them to fully develop their human, artistic, cultural, and professional capabilities.

Throughout the project, the development of artistic skills is promoted in areas such as scenography, costumes, production, lighting, sound, with the aim of integrating a show that will be presented in theatres in the Municipality, open to the community in general. The entire learning and training process will be recorded in audio-visual form, to produce a documentary, containing images of the entire creative process of the show, the evolution of the beneficiaries and the show itself.

This project aims to present new professional opportunities to young people and allow the discovery of new potential within the artistic areas, as well as the dissemination of young people's work, through the digital world, promoting excellent content and influencing other young people in a constructive way. It also aims to provide tools and means and encourage the autonomy of its beneficiaries so that they can make the most of their skills in the professional market.

The project adopts a dynamic approach to social inclusion, resulting in intercultural practices embedded in artistic creation. It promotes cultural identities by emphasising the richness of their artistic heritage and underscores the value of individuals beyond their membership in a specific group. Artistic expressions such as theatre, music, and dance become tools for mobilising people to participate. By welcoming amateur artists into a professional group, the project promotes collaborative performances, where individuals who are typically excluded from professional artistic events can occupy creative spaces.

This initiative elevates the profile of the young participants, changing the way the community is represented by highlighting their capabilities. The involvement of participants from different ages and social backgrounds in a shared project creates opportunities for community exchange and inclusion.

Furthermore, the organisation of events in public spaces within the Municipality, especially in historical areas, enhances visibility and engagement with the local community while strengthening the connection with local authorities, who are often present at these public events.

Cities are not always aware of the history and cultural heritage of the various groups and individuals who live there. Artistic projects can fill this gap by giving visibility to these cultures and elevating their status.

In this sense, the project not only enriches the lives of young people but also contributes to the rediscovery of cultural heritage, particularly through the collection of intangible heritage, such as music and dance, thus creating a positive image of diversity within the wider population.

Activities:

• Acting Activities
  Acting classes are taught weekly – Interpretation for Theatre and Television – where theatrical techniques are developed (on stage and behind the scenes) that also enhance the development of personal skills such as self-confidence, assertiveness, focus, determination, responsibility, and commitment.
• Corporeality Activities
  Corporeality classes are a starting point for the development of the project, to promote better expression through the body. The body is the main instrument of the artist's work and beyond; learning to keep the body fit for scenic work, mental health to withstand pressure and self-confidence are the objectives of this activity. At the same time, Corporality is also a professional outlet, through Dance, Yoga, etc.
• Master Classes
  As a complementary activity, Master Classes are essential to provide young people with direct contact with renowned professional artists, with vast knowledge and experience in the topics covered, enhancing moments of learning, sharing and motivation. Throughout the Project, Master Classes were held on the following themes: Makeup, Lighting, Natural Cosmetics and Theatrical Structure and Context.
• Other Specific Activities
  These are carried out according to the interests of the participants, with emphasis on: coaching sessions; production classes; drum lessons; monitoring participants’ artistic projects; preparation for casting; support in the creation of a traditional African dance group in Bairro dos Navegadores; creation of the podcast “Survival Manual”; cultural visits outside the neighbourhoods (e.g.: theatre shows; documentary premieres; concerts; exhibitions).

Impact:

- This project has 49 people signed up, all residents of Municipal Housing Projects.

- As part of the project, three sessions of the “Stress Street Show” were held in 3 auditoriums in the municipality, reaching around 600 people.

- Within the scope of the Project's activities, 4 young people managed to enter the job market, within the artistic areas. Two of these young people are responsible for organising the "Lusofolia" festival, taking place in 2025, with the aim of promoting the rich cultural diversity existing in the municipality of Oeiras.

Sources:

- Website of the entity developing the Project: https://palcounanimearte.wixsite.com/artes

- Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palcounanime/profilecard/?igsh=MWZwMjNlNGFta3Boaw==

- News about the show within the scope of the Project: Jovens dos Bairros sobem ao palco com espetáculo ‘Stress Street Show’;

- News about the show within the scope of the Project: Espetáculo 'Stress Street Show';

- Oeiras Atual Magazine: 482a55fb-bbdd-b1c3-3439-6dbe6c3760a2