As part of our ongoing project Craftwork 4.0 All, we’re planning an exciting range of activities — from craft labs and trainings to local and international events, digital and offline art residencies, and much more. But one of the core missions of this project is the promotion and valorisation of craft among the wider public — and the support of emerging crafters.
A beautiful recent example of this vision in action was our Upcycling Craft Lab, held on the small Atlantic island of Porto Santo. The lab brought together professional crafters and local students, creating a unique space for creative exchange.
Inspired by local crafter Vera Menezes and her deep-rooted connection to Porto Santo’s environment and tradition, participants from our Green Island project proposed to create an art installation where craft meets sustainability.
The first step? A beach clean-up. Participants collected discarded items like cans, plastic caps, old gloves, and more — transforming trash into creative treasure. Guided by the wonderful art educator Dalila Peixe, about 20 participants collaboratively envisioned and built the first prototype of the sculpture.
The final artwork — made entirely from reclaimed materials — was gifted to the municipality of Funchal, where it is now proudly displayed in the municipal building as a symbol of community creativity, circular thinking, and environmental care.
This kind of creative reuse has a powerful precedent in Portugal: you might know the work of renowned Portuguese sculptor Bordalo II, who also began by turning waste into art. His striking animal sculptures made from trash have gained international attention and carry strong messages about consumerism and the environment.
See some iconic pieces: “Big Trash Animals” series – https://www.bordaloii.com/big-
Lisbon installation example – https://www.instagram.com/p/
We believe craft can be both a personal and planetary tool — and we’re proud to keep building spaces where it can grow.
Stay tuned — more Craft 4 All stories coming soon.
