At ArtWorks, industry meets sculpture, while skilled artisans make artists’ remarkable ideas a reality. It also functions as an artistic residency for emerging artists using waste material. Sometimes that’s all it takes for a better world.

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JOSÉ PEDRO CROFT UNTITLED FRIEZE SCULPTURE PARK LONDON 2021

It’s rare for a man to look beyond himself, to look a little further and create something new. ArtWorks is an example of such a thing. As CEO of Ecosteel, José Maria Ferreira would normally oversee production of high-performance window frames for building projects designed by renowned architects. One day, he decided it was time for a new challenge in the world of art. The idea attracted considerable interest and its subsequent success kickstarted a series of collaborations with different creatives producing a variety of structures, design pieces and works of art.

In 2017, due to its growing importance, an independent branch specialising in artworks was founded (ArtWorks), with architect José Miguel Pinto appointed director. Operations became more systematic, and the project took on a more prominent role within the Group.

With new organisation came a multidisciplinary team with skills in architecture, engineering, design, curatorship, photography, video and other complementary areas, ready for expansion and next-level challenges, in terms of complexity, scale and materials.

Since it started five years ago, ArtWorks has built up a surprising portfolio of artists, such as José Pedro Croft, Cabrita Reis, Fernanda Fragateiro, Grada Kilomba, Julião Sarmento and João Louro, not forgetting a new wave of up-and-coming figures, like Andreia Santana, Sara Bichão, Luisa Jacinto and Diogo da Cruz.

This work, which can be seen in various collections, museums, galleries and art and architecture biennales, has also involved productions for some of the most important international artists, like Dan Graham, Xavier Veilhan, Matali Crasset, and Olafur Eliasson, among others.

In addition to this productive element, ArtWorks is committed to supporting artists and institutions in the cultural sector. This means sharing resources through partnerships, collaborations or patronage that have enabled a plethora of projects, artworks and exhibitions that would not have been possible otherwise. This mission, which has gradually been extended to projects in areas such as cinema, theatre, photography, dance and performance, is at the very heart of the No Entulho residencies, where emerging artists are invited to use waste materials from ArtWorks, the Ecosteel Group and partner companies to create their art.

This project emphasises sustainability by promoting the reuse of factory waste, but most of all, it offers artists space to experiment with materials and on a scale impractical for most. It also provides technical support from the ArtWorks team.

“No Entulho” has helped over 20 artists, including Igor Jesus, Francisca Carvalho, Maria Trabulo and Colectivo Berru. Each residency also boasts an external element that accompanies the artists’ work, giving them another perspective via reflective texts by Nuno Crespo, Gonçalo M. Tavares, Marta Mestre, Hilda de Paulo, Hugo Canoilas and others.

Functioning as a rare intersection between industry and art, ArtWorks also wants this project to serve as an open invitation to creative daring that is gratifying for both parts. According to José Miguel Pinto: “We try to explore a more experimental aspect, which isn’t always possible when you’re working with specific customers, where we’re more restricted, obliged to meet deadlines and budgets. There is more freedom in the residency processes and in some of the support we offer.”

The artists’ relationship with the production team and industrial environment is a key factor for the final objective, as José Miguel Pinto highlights: “We try to create a team and methods that allow us to interpret artists’ understanding and expectations regarding the work that will be produced. There needs to be great respect and thoroughness when dealing with this type of production.”

ArtWorks is part of the Ecosteel group, which includes different manufacturing sectors, brands, training and technological development centres in two industrial area in Póvoa de Varzim, in the north of the country.

This looks like the story of a “window factory” that fell in love with art. “In a way, it is!”, says José Miguel Pinto with a smile. “It continues to do good business but now has a space to produce works of art and sculptures”.

With a philosophy geared towards innovation, the company firmly believes its future is closely tied to teamwork that respects others and the planet.

ArtWorks - The Right Scale

At ArtWorks, industry meets sculpture, while skilled artisans make artists’ remarkable ideas a reality. It also functions as an artistic residency for emerging artists using waste material. Sometimes that’s all it takes for a better world.

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