Cultural heritage initiatives launch in Portugal and Brazil

In Santarém, Portugal, the exhibition ‘Meu Templo, Minha Alma’ is opening to commemorate the centenary of Artur Bual. Organized by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Santarém and the Círculo Artístico e Cultural Artur Bual, the showcase features works from eleven artists. The event will conclude on November 7 with a charity auction, where proceeds will fund the conservation and restoration of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Visitação.

In Mariana, Brazil, the Archdiocese of Mariana is inaugurating a new facility at the historic Casa Santo Estevão. This space will house a technical reserve and conservation and restoration laboratories to preserve sacred items such as liturgical vestments, silver, and religious imagery. The facility is designed to provide professional environments for restoring materials including wood, metal, and stone. The collection includes items from various parishes, including those from communities affected by the 2015 Fundão dam failure.