Through the EEA Grants, funded by Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein, Portugal has achieved impressive goals in the areas of preserving Cultural Heritage, promoting the Arts, economic development and international collaboration.
Main results of the Cultural Heritage Axis (Outcome 1)
The revitalised spaces and the events promoted by the funded projects attracted more than 61,000 visitors - 8,000 more than expected during the application process. The renovated buildings now house 33 new functions, contributing to the dynamism of the revitalised areas.
In addition, the pre-defined projects played a decisive role in achieving these results. For example, the FILMar project, promoted by the Cinemateca Portuguesa, enabled the digitisation and recovery of 10,500 minutes of film heritage related to the sea. The Water World project, by the National Centre for Nautical and Underwater Archaeology (CNANS), documented 16 archaeological sites in situ - four times the number initially planned.
Main results of the Arts Axis (Outcome 2)
The Arts Axis showed significant results in municipalities with low population density. Contemporary art events were held with the participation of more than 110,000 people, strengthening the cultural presence in these regions. During the period of the financial mechanism, the axis contributed to the creation of more than 140 jobs and the creation of 595 artistic productions, significantly expanding the cultural offer in areas with less access to artistic events.
The projects organised around 1,000 public performances, directly involving more than 4,400 local residents in creative processes. These figures emphasise the commitment to cultural development and community integration, demonstrating the sustainable impact of the initiatives promoted by the Arts Axis.
Bilateral Cooperation
Through bilateral cooperation between Portugal and the donor countries, the projects benefited from an exchange of knowledge and experience, consolidating partnerships with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. More than 370 professionals from the donor countries and Portuguese nationals were involved in actions to exchange experiences, expanding skills in heritage management and artistic programming in Portugal and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Want to know more? Click on the links below:
- Culture Programme Evaluation Report - to be published soon
- Culture Programme Final Report - to be published soon