Vanguard Properties becomes MAAT's new patron

This new partnership also includes an artist residency programme, as well as a pavilion in the MAAT Garden that functions as an extension of the museum's exhibition areas

Vanguard Properties has become a patron of the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), as part of its partnership with the EDP Foundation. The property development company is the first entity to become the museum’s patron, initially for a period of a year.

The first fruits of this partnership were Nosso Barco Tambor do Terra, a major installation created by Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto, which is on exhibition at the MAAT Gallery until 7th October.

Conscious of the importance of its role in society, not to mention its contribution to enriching the communities in which it operates, Vanguard Properties has pursued active sponsorship and social responsibility policies since it was founded. This practice extends to a number of different areas, with a special focus on the arts.

MAAT Garden hosts artist residency programme and welcomes a new exhibition pavilion

A regular collaborator on various MAAT projects, ArtWorks, which recently became part of the Vanguard Signature Group, has also teamed up with the museum to create a new artist residency programme. This particular project lasts three years and offers young creators a unique way of producing work. It culminates in a presentation of the work developed in a pavilion recently set up in the MAAT Garden, which was designed by the Clanet & Brito studio.

According to José Cardoso Botelho, CEO of Vanguard Properties: “Sponsoring a museum of MAAT’s prestige bolsters the group's commitment to promote culture and creativity in Portugal. The company’s support for exhibitions by major international artists, such as Ernesto Neto, is a way of enriching the general public’s experience. Such a project offers people the chance to see internationally renowned artists in Lisbon, while the artist residency initiative aims to support new creative talent and give them greater visibility.

With invaluable support from ArtWorks, these artist residencies embody this vision of focussing on the future. We believe that art is essential to strengthening communities and this partnership signals an important step in that direction.’

In the words of Vera Pinto Pereira, president of the EDP Foundation: “We believe that partnerships are great drivers of innovation and development. They consolidate our ongoing commitment to making MAAT a vibrant and dynamic space that mobilises and engages its various audiences. To this end, Vanguard Properties is reinforcing our mission to promote access to culture and art. We believe that these areas can have a transformative impact on society and inspire a more inclusive and conscious future.”

The artists participating in this residency programme will be chosen by the two partner organisations. The artworks will be developed at the ArtWorks premises in Póvoa do Varzim, culminating in an exhibition at MAAT.

The first residency was awarded to the Brazilian, multidisciplinary artist Jota Mombaça, whose work is part of the exhibition Black Ancient Futures, which opens on 18th September at MAAT.

The work produced during this inaugural residency will be exhibited at the opening of the MAAT Garden pavilion, which was set up by ArtWorks.

Designed by the Clanet & Brito studio, this transparent pavilion, which is made of glass and steel (64m2), is an interesting addition to one of Lisbon's most significant contemporary art centres, both because of its garden location and the Tagus River backdrop.