FAZUNCHAR 2023

Year after year, FAZUNCHAR, which once again received the EFFE * quality stamp that distinguishes festivals across Europe, “not only for its broad artistic richness, but also for the involvement of and in the community in which they operate", has It is assumed as an experience of sharing, encounter and (re)discovery between people, art and territory, a celebration of its cultural and artistic legacy, its traditions and its people.

This year the work started very early, in April, when FAZUNCHAR asked the community the question ‘What are the colors of Figueiró dos Vinhos?’. The responses were abundant and among the yellows, some blues and browns, green predominated in the most varied tones. This color palette was the subject of work and inspiration for the Marbled Paper workshop, led by Prudêncio (Portugal) in May, where participants gave free rein to their creativity and created dozens of papers that would serve as a basis for developing the graphic image. of this 5th edition of FAZUNCHAR.

Under the pretext of launching this edition, in June, Figueiró dos Vinhos welcomed the artist Mário Belém to carry out the first of the mural interventions, in the historic center of the town, but the excitement that characterizes FAZUNCHAR only began in August, triggered by the inauguration of the exhibition 'Ilustrar Malhoa 2019-2022'. This was the challenge launched in the 1st edition to six of the most recognized Portuguese illustrators, to illustrate some of the works of the painter José Malhoa. The collective exhibition of posters from this initiative conquered the streets of the historic center of Figueiró dos Vinhos, but also the hearts of many, imposing its continuity. In the following editions, already in postcard format, three more illustrators were challenged to add their vision to this collection. In this 5th edition, drawing its conclusion, the collective exhibition 'Ilustrar Malhoa' was shown in two stages: at the Museum and Arts Center of Figueiró dos Vinhos and through the streets of Vila de Figueiró dos Vinhos, celebrating each of these twice original looks at the unique work of the painter who chose this territory as his studio and home.

Added to this are two more exhibitions: 'De Tempos a Tempos' by Miguel Oliveira, who was in photography residency in the 2021 and 2022 editions of FAZUNCHAR and who in 2023 presented the results of these residencies on the streets of Figueiró, images of times that intersect in the various pieces and places that invite you to wander through time; and ‘What are the colors of Figueiró dos Vinhos?’ where you could see the marbled papers resulting from the May workshop, displayed in the window of the central Mercearia da Vila.

Once again, the group of artists included national and international artists with different aesthetics, who allowed themselves to be influenced by this territory to leave their mark on it. Daniela Guerreiro paid homage to the wisdom of the elderly; Marta Lapeña found her naturalism in Malhoa; Jaune covered every corner of Cercal and Figueiró dos Vinhos with his crowd of small corner workers; Giuliane Sampaio honored Laínte (and learned a new language); SóFachada opened more doors and windows throughout the streets of the historic center.

In addition to the usual music and video residencies, which this year welcomed Ana Lua Caiano and Miguel Canaverde, respectively, the 5th edition also welcomed the artist Martinho Costa for a painting residency, a debut for FAZUNCHAR.

The 10th anniversary of the Figueiró dos Vinhos Museum and Arts Center served as an excuse to organize a party within this party that is FAZUNCHAR. 'FAZUNCHAR faz a Festa' invaded the Museum's spaces for 9 hours of programming that began in the afternoon with the presentation of the book 'Muro' by João Pedro Vala, who was in literary residency at the 4th edition of FAZUNCHAR, followed by “TRAÇOS E ACORDES” (STROKES AND CHORDES), a unique experience that combined the music of Mouzelo and Nuno Sá, local talents, with the drawings of those who stopped to listen to them in the company of a glass, a pencil and a sheet of paper. The night began with a Conversation with Artists that brought together the community, artistic team, promoting entity and organization in sharing opinions and testimonies on the theme ‘Art and Community’. The musical program lasted throughout the night with concerts by João Gil Trio invites Joana Rodrigues, Stereossauro and closed with a “golden key” with the Dj Set from An Alpha Betos.

Jornal de Cordel returned to the center of the town to update Figueiró residents and visitors on a daily basis about FAZUNCHAR's activities and exchange messages with them. The usual workshops, guided tours and community picnic completed the program for this festival in Figueiró dos Vinhos, moments of sharing and learning that establish relationships between FAZUNCHAR, the artists and the community.

* EFFE – Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe (“Europe for Festivals, Festivals for Europe”), is an initiative of the European Festivals Association – EFA (European Festivals Association) with the support of the European Commission and European Parliament.