The Philanthropic

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Art Gallery

District: Porto > Póvoa de Varzim > Póvoa de Varzim > Bairro Piscatório

Location:

Situated in the heart of the Bairro Piscatório (Fishing Quarter), an area of Póvoa de Varzim with strong ties to the city's maritime and working-class history, A Filantrópica occupies a central position. Its building has main access via Rua 31 de Janeiro and also via Rua da Lapa, placing it in a busy and easily identifiable area for anyone traversing the town centre.

Roots and Purpose:

The history of A Filantrópica is founded on solidarity and social support. It was born in the late 1920s, an initiative of a group of Póvoa residents concerned with the well-being of the most disadvantaged workers and fishermen. This cause mobilized significant support, including contributions from emigrant Póvoa natives, particularly from Brazil. In 1935, the institution was formally refounded as "A Filantrópica Sociedade Cooperativa" (The Philanthropic Cooperative Society), adapting to the times while maintaining the spirit of mutual aid and philanthropy that gave rise to its name, also honoring the contribution of the diaspora.

A Building with a Past:

The cooperative's headquarters occupies a noble building on Rua da Lapa, whose history is almost as rich as that of the institution itself. Built in 1864, the building initially served as the home of "Monte-Pio Povoense," a mutual aid society of the time. Over the decades, before being acquired by A Filantrópica, it hosted various functions, from a military detachment to the headquarters of associations, a primary school, and even the site of the opening of Póvoa de Varzim's first supermarket. This multifaceted past gives the building a unique character, now serving as the renovated base for the cooperative's cultural activities.

Culture and Art in the Present:

Currently, A Filantrópica is a space dedicated to promoting culture and art in Póvoa de Varzim. The cooperative offers a varied range of activities, notably its art gallery, which hosts temporary exhibitions and contributes to the local art scene. It also provides art workshops in various modalities, such as painting and drawing, offering learning and creative development opportunities for different age groups. The building also serves as a venue for conferences, colloquia, and debates, solidifying its role as a meeting point for reflection and cultural exchange in the city.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt