ARTE.M Association
ARTE.M is a cultural and artistic association located on the island of Madeira, Portugal. We are devoted to the promotion of culture, cultural education, artistic expression and search. Our mission is creating the conditions for the harmonious development of personality, well-being, self-expression, lifelong learning and continuous improvement. ARTE.M aims to elevate the social culture of Madeira through thought-provoking art experiences that stimulate intellectual exploration, curiosity, and independent thought. Among such experiences are workshops and lectures by local and international artists, open discussions and social projects.
As a group of enthusiasts, we’ve been working on artistic and educational projects since 2015, and the non-profit association under the name ARTE.M was formed in 2018. We cooperate with various cultural institutions and governmental initiatives in Madeira, and our greatest supporter is Art Gallery Caravel where we are based in Funchal. Starting from the beginning of 2023, we have opened the International ARThub Madeira – a co-work place for artists and creative people of Madeira. This is a platform for discussions, workshops, collaborations, trainings and art exhibitions.
Links with craft sector
ARTE.M was created to support the artistic and craft sector, closely connected with the gallery and craft space Art Center Caravel in Madeira. Since the beginning, we have focused on handmade and artisan culture, collecting and presenting works by Portuguese crafters from Madeira and the mainland. We support their development through trainings, masterclasses and mentoring, including digitalisation, branding and professionalisation. We also promote their work offline by exhibiting craft objects, products and small collections in our art space. ARTE.M acts as a platform that values craftsmanship, creative heritage and contemporary artistic production.
Materials
Ceramic handicrafts, Fibre and textile handicrafts, Metal craftmanship, Paper crafts (e.g. origami), Needlework (e.g. crochet)
Engagement
Promoting / Showcasing, Training / Educating, Collaborating, Mentoring, Collecting
Activities
In addition to our main activities, ARTE.M is also involved in supporting contemporary art, creative collaboration and artistic mobility. We actively host cultural initiatives, exhibitions and short residencies that bring together artists, crafters, designers and creative professionals. Through our partnership with Art Center Caravel, we co-developed Art Hub Madeira — a coworking and creative space in the historic centre of Funchal. Art Hub Madeira provides studios, exhibition rooms and a collaborative environment that encourages experimentation, learning and community engagement.
We create opportunities for emerging and established artists to research local heritage, develop new works and engage with Madeira’s artisan culture. We also run workshops, artistic labs, open calls, intercultural programmes and Erasmus+ mobilities with a focus on sustainability, mental health, inclusion and craft-based innovation. ARTE.M works closely with cultural organisations, schools, municipalities and international partners, strengthening networks and encouraging knowledge exchange.
Through these activities, we contribute to the development of artistic practice, offer visibility to local talent and help build bridges between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary creative sectors.
Projects
"Over the past years, ARTE.M has developed several initiatives connected to craft, art-based learning and therapeutic creative methods. Craft and art therapy elements have been integrated into many of our programmes, including the Art TERRA Π training course and other Erasmus+ activities focusing on wellbeing, creativity, sustainability and social inclusion. These projects resulted in practical toolkits, shared methodologies, artistic outputs, and enhanced community participation.
We also annually organise the international exhibition “Islands”, held in Madeira, with strong emphasis on emerging artists, crafters and cross-border cooperation. The exhibition provides visibility to new talent, supports artistic mobility and creates long-term cultural connections between Portugal and international partners.
Our past activities led to a stable network of organisations, trainers and artists working with craft heritage and contemporary practice. We have produced workshops, exhibitions, publications, residencies, open educational resources, and digital materials documenting methods used in art and craft therapy.
Our legacy includes strengthened community involvement, professional growth of participants, increased digital literacy for artisans, promotion of sustainable craft, and practical methodologies that continue to be used by educators and cultural operators. Through these achievements, ARTE.M contributes to long-term capacity building, exchange of knowledge and the preservation of creative and artisanal heritage."
Networks
https://theartmind.eu/