An artist who was a resident in Espaço do Tempo left us a letter, saying that the Convento da Saudação was “a place where feeling and acting converge, where ideas crystallize into work”. I am not sure if ideas crystallize or if soul feelings materialize and become works that we consider “successful”. What I do know, together with all those who work here, is that throughout the years we have lived unforgettable moments of artistic encounter and witnessed the unfolding of new and established artists. Discreet processes protected from external onlookers, from critical scrutiny and the judgement of the art world. Usually, contemporary art depends on the extraordinary stimulus provided by urban centres. For that very reason, we believe that the artists in residence in a rural space can find the ideal environment conducive to some distancing, providing encounters from which creative work can profit. Despite the fact that agreat deal of our energy is channeled towards the survival of our structure, almost always subject to difficulties, our objectives never distanced us from the pleasure of meeting others. Our structure belongs to every talented artist, and we are aware that it will survive only if it serves their development, functioning as a shelter for all those who usually lead nomadic lifes in this profession. Today, and with the consolidation of our work, we should avoid institutional weight, lighten routines and keep enthusiasm alive. Our strength and raison d’être are the artist themselves. Art belongs to the artists and not to professional promoters and even less to politicians.

Rui Horta