The Project
Loulé Criativo is a project of the Municipality of Loulé that values culture, craftsmanship and innovation in the municipality of Loulé, promoting the encounter between local traditions and contemporary creativity. Through training, artistic residencies, partnerships and support for entrepreneurs, the project strengthens cultural heritage, generates new opportunities and positions Loulé as a reference territory in the creative industries.
How did it start?
In 2014, Loulé Criativo began to take shape with the establishment of a network of local partners, which offer a diversified program of Creative Tourism activities in the areas of arts, crafts, gastronomy and the territory’s heritage.
The Municipality of Loulé is the first Portuguese municipality to join the international creative tourism network, the Creative Tourism Network, which includes cities such as Barcelona, Porto Alegre and Bangkok, among others.
2014
Beginning of the Loulé Criativo project
2015
Creative residency "Mesa Ajudada / Maker's Meal" in collaboration with SSW - Scottish Sculpture Workshop and Proactivetur/Projecto TASA
2016
Residence "Designers de Loulé";
1st Artisanal Boilermaker Course - the art of working copper and brass
2017
Inauguration of the Casa da Empreita;
Inauguration of the Boilermakers' Workshop;
Creation of Loulé Design Lab
2018
Inauguration of the Clay Workshop;
Inauguration of the Chordophone Workshop;
Inauguration of the Watchmaker's Workshop;
1st Contract Course by the artisans of Casa da Empreita
2019
1st Introduction to the Potter's Wheel Course, by Ricardo Lopes, at Oficina do Barro (3 pm);
Cloth Doll Making Course, by Filipa Faísca de Sousa (42h);
Exhibition "Artisans of Loulé"
Inauguration of the Loulé headquarters
Creative at Palácio Gama
Wolf;
The Contract goes to School;
National Handicraft Award 2019, in the category "Promotion for Public Entities" (IEFP);
Collaboration Agreement with CEARTE - Professional Training Center for Handicrafts and Heritage;
1st Certified Training Course: Sewing - Initiation to Sewing (50h) - CEARTE
2020
Creation of the "Tia Anica" Sewing Club;
Loulé Creative Storefronts at Designer Outlet Algarve;
Artisanal Boilermaker Course (175h);
Contract Course (42h);
Launch of Casa da Empreita's lamp catalogue
2021
Summer School "Metal in Loulé", under the responsibility of the Michelangelo Foundation, in partnership with Passa ao Futuro and FRESS;
"Infinity" Project, in partnership with Inframoura;
Local SDG Award, in the "Municipal Practices" category, with Loulé Design Lab;
Training in jewellery with master Filomeno de Sousa Pereira
2022
Creation of the textile club "Pontos e Contos";
Weekly pottery classes;
The Luthier goes to School;
Photographic Exhibition "The Algarve Chimney" by Filipe Palma;
Inauguration of the Textile Workshop;
1st Arts and Crafts Biennial | New Design (Oeiras)
Weaving and Natural Dyeing Course, with Guida Fonseca (50h) - CEARTE;
Adhesion of the Municipality of Loulé to APTCVC - Portuguese Association of Ceramic Cities and Towns
2023
Exhibition "Despertar o Esparto", QRER
Participation in the IKEA Loulé anniversary;
UmbigoLab Loulé Artistic Residency (Caio Marcolini / Boilermakers Workshop);
Contract Course, with Sónia Mendez (25h)
Introduction to Esparto Course (9 pm);
Exhibition "Designers de Loulé" at the Islamic Festival of Mértola;
Artistic Residency "Situated Practices - Empreita de Palma", Evey Kwong - Common Origin;
Textile Exhibition "Transformation", curated by Vásco Águas;
Inauguration of Casa do Esparto (Sarnadas - Alte)
Open Day 2023;
Christmas Bazaar 2023
2024
Residency "Dialogues between Artisans and Designers of Loulé"
Dyeing and Vegetable Fibers Course (14h)
Participation in Lisbon Design Week (Depozito)
ISMAT Residency in Loulé Criativo (5th year of the Communication Design Course)
MADE IN Basketry Summer School Residency (Passa ao Futuro + Loulé Criativo)
Weaving Initiation Course (CEARTE) - 50h
Open Day 2024
Contract Wheel 2024
Exhibition Surfaces by Caio Marcolini
Christmas Bazaar 2024
2025
Sewing and Clothing Making Course (CEARTE) - 250h
Clothing Modeling Initiation Course (CEARTE) - 50h
Creation of the Pottery Club
Residence "Aligned by the Same Wool"
Plant Based Design Residency (Palma + Esparto) - Passa ao Futuro and Made In Platform
Climate Tapestries of the Municipality of Loulé - Climate
Made Heads on display at Lisbon Design Week
Residence "Palma, Esparto e Cana"
Open Day 2025
Medal of Tourist Merit (Algarve Tourism Region)
Open Call UmbigoLab @LouléCriativo 2026
Our
Objectives and Mission
01
Sharing culture and valuing know-how.
02
To promote the revitalization of traditional arts and knowledge.
03
To offer dynamic and attractive tourist experiences year-round, valuing local identity and heritage with a “do it yourself” philosophy.
04
Training in traditional arts and crafts.
05
Continuously fostering innovation in the products and work processes of professionals.
06
Creating conditions for research in arts and crafts and related topics.
07
Support for the establishment and business of artisans and professionals in the creative sector, tailored to their needs.
08
An artistic and creative residency program that mobilizes national and international critical mass.
09
Cultural programming that includes permanent and temporary exhibitions and events related to the themes of creativity, heritage, arts, and crafts.