University of Minho: Where Creativity Meets Technology
At the University of Minho, the UL representatives were welcomed by a distinguished team, including Vítor Hugo Ferreira de Matos, Director of the Music Department; Ângelo Martingo, ERASMUS coordinator, musicologist, and pianist; and António Luís Ribeiro, artistic director of the University Orchestra and saxophonist.
The visit provided a comprehensive overview of Minho’s vibrant cultural ecosystem—its student artistic groups, creative initiatives, and long-term development strategies. Central to cultural life at Minho is the Cultural Council, a governing body that advises on cultural policy, coordinates the activities of museums, libraries, archaeology units, and other cultural structures, and ensures broad public access to the arts—reflecting the university’s strong commitment to community engagement.
Discussions highlighted several promising avenues for cooperation, with particular focus on initiatives involving the UL Wind Orchestra.
University of Porto: Culture as a Pathway to Well-Being and Education
In Porto, the delegation met with researchers Joana Cadima and Joana Manarte from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences and the Centre for Educational Research and Intervention (CIIE). Their work forms part of a wider cultural strategy led by Fátima Vieira, Vice-Rector for Culture, who champions culture as a transformative force for student and societal well-being.
The team was introduced to Porto’s innovative programme “Culture on Prescription”, which integrates arts, education, and healthcare. The university offers a rich portfolio of academic and creative opportunities - courses in Philosophy of Art, Art and Medicine, Architecture and Health, as well as mobile workshops in music, theatre, dance, literature, cinema, and museum mediation. Training programmes for culture and health professionals further demonstrate the university’s commitment to cultural well-being and interdisciplinary practice.
Presenting the University of Latvia and Expanding the CAMINO Network
During both visits, UL Culture Centre representatives presented the Centre’s activities, international vision, and strategic development priorities.
These meetings expanded Universities for Culture international network, and created new entry points for future collaborations, encouraging shared research, student exchanges, joint cultural events, and co-created artistic projects across Europe.
A Foundation for Future Collaboration
The visit to Portugal provided valuable insights into how universities can integrate culture, technology, education, and community well-being. Portuguese universities demonstrated successful models where culture and science function as complementary drivers of social development.
The CAMINO network continues to grow, and these new connections pave the way for long-term collaborations, joint initiatives, and shared cultural experiences across Europe.
, together with colleagues from the UL Innovation and Acceleration Center, embarked on a strategic visit to Portugal. The team met with representatives at the University of Minho in Braga and the University of Porto, laying the groundwork for new international partnerships, interdisciplinary projects, and innovative collaborations in cultural and educational fields.){kind=link}