Regional Government promotes 36 cultural initiatives during Iberian Biennial of Cultural Heritage - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Educação e dos Assuntos Culturais

Heritage talks, round tables and guided tours to various buildings and routes are among the many initiatives promoted by the Regional Government, through the Regional Directorate for Cultural Affairs - under the theme of "Technology & Heritage." The Iberian Biennial of Cultural Heritage will be held in the historic centre of Angra do Heroísmo from October 12 to 15, 2023. The event's programme was launched on September 14.

Angra do Heroísmo is particularly important as it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1983 - the first in the country. The city's identity was preserved after the 1980 earthquake. In 2023, Angra do Heroísmo will host the benchmark event in the Cultural Heritage sector to celebrate the 40th anniversary of UNESCO's distinction.

The programme of the Iberian Biennial of Cultural Heritage includes a variety of eclectic initiatives that will give shape to the motto "Cultural Heritage for everyone."

The online Talks will address "Underwater Heritage: an unexplored tourist attraction," "Traditions: Preserving and Promoting Popular Bullfighting"; "Traditions and Revitalisation - Holy Spirit Festivities"; "Military Heritage: Benefits of opening it to the public"; "World Heritage Label: Dilemmas and opportunities for Historic Centres"; "Accessible Communication"; International Colloquium "Overseas Iberian Space - Art History and Heritage" (online and in face-to-face sessions).

The Regional Directorate for Cultural Affairs is also organising round tables on the following themes: "Viola da Terra (traditional Azorean guitar): Memory, Present and Future," "Heritage in the Context of Work" and "Good Practices in Restoration."

The programme also includes night visits to places such as the Archaeological Space of the Misericórdia Church, the Ruins of the Old Santo António dos Capuchos Convent and the Angra Museum.

The "Open Heritage" initiative opens up heritage to the public. It includes visits to the CPMIA (Centre for Movable Intangible and Archaeological Heritage), the Frescoes of the Matriz de São SebastiãoChurch, the Episcopal Seminary of Angra do Heroísmo, Moagem Terceirense, Lda. (flour milling plant), the São Gonçalo Church, the archaeological remains of Ribeira dos Moinhos and the José Henrique Henriques Simões Flores Family House.

The Luís da Silva Ribeiro Public Library and Regional Archive also hosts guided tours to the conservation and restoration workshop, and devotes its monthly programme to the celebration of the Iberian Biennial of Cultural Heritage.

The Angra Museum promotes initiatives such as guided tours to the exhibitions, the fortress and, in partnership with the Alpendre Theatre Group, a series of immersive and interactive mystery games.

The Regional Directorate for Cultural Affairs has also organised an itinerary on the Architectural Heritage of Ramo Grande, covering five parishes in that part of Terceira Island, with visits to various buildings built there.

The commemorative materials for the Iberian Biennial of Cultural Heritage are also being published, namely the reprint of the "Transatlantic City - Stories and Experiences" leaflet as well as the release of a collection containing 12 postcards, bookmarks, postage stamps and a stamp.

The Iberian Biennial of Cultural Heritage is organised by AR&PA in partnership with the Regional Government of the Azores and the Angra do Heroísmo City Council.

The initiative, which highlights the cultural heritage of the Azores, takes place on October 12, 13, 14 and 15 at the new Angra do Heroísmo Interpretation Centre, whereas the Iberian Heritage Awards gala will be held at the Teatro Angrense on October 13.

The full programme for the cultural event can be found at: www.bienalarpa.pt.