FEEDBACK PUBLIC EVENT – by ITM - Transformative Territories

FEEDBACK PUBLIC EVENT – by ITM

The Transformative Territories project of ITM aims to address the impact of forest fires, using art and interdisciplinary dialogue to foster sensitivity and awareness. This work seeks to tackle structural and behavioural issues within society regarding land management and the decision-making processes essential for a sustainable present. In pursuing this goal, ITM invites senior citizens to take part in educational activities focused on their emotional responses to forest fires.

Presentation of the Transformative Territories project at Maçao’s Senior University

At an initial event on December 3rd, 2024, ITM is organising a presentation of the Transformative Territories project at Mação’s Senior University. This presentation will outline the project’s objectives, progress, and future actions, creating an interactive platform for dialogue between local seniors, artists, and researchers.

The goal is to highlight the role of the arts in fostering collective memory and supporting the ecological and social regeneration of wildfire-affected landscapes. It seeks to encourage the active participation of elders, draw on their unique perspectives and experiences, and integrate them into the broader narratives of the TT Portugal Project.

This event aims to engage the Senior University community in a discussion on community resilience and artistic reflection on the impacts of forest fires. It also seeks to deepen community involvement by addressing the importance of preserving memories and exploring how art can serve as a medium for reflection and transformation.

Community engagement activities at Maçao’s Senior Clubs

The activities conducted with all the senior clubs in Mação are a cornerstone of the TT Portugal Project’s community engagement strategy. These initiatives actively involve the senior population in exploring, preserving, and celebrating the region’s cultural and natural heritage. Workshops, storytelling sessions, and participatory events offer a platform for seniors to share their invaluable knowledge, contributing to a deeper understanding of the territory’s transformation over time.

Each session focuses on engaging activities involving special sheets and magical papers. These efforts highlight the seniors’ vital role as cultural custodians, reinforcing their contributions to a shared identity and sustainable practices within the TT Project.

This engagement not only strengthens intergenerational connections but also empowers the community by valuing the role of seniors as cultural custodians. Their insights are integrated into the broader scope of the TT Portugal Project, ensuring that the project remains rooted in local realities while promoting inclusive participation.

These activities demonstrate the importance of cultural memory in shaping sustainable practices and fostering a sense of shared identity and responsibility for the territory.