CACAV – Círculo de Animação Cultural de Alhos Vedros was founded in 1986 by a group of people from different professions. It is a cultural non-profit association, aiming to develop activities in several areas of informal adult education such as ICT, painting, photography / video and other forms of arts.
The philosophy of CACAV is based on the civil society involvement and the responsibility to develop lifelong learning and ICT skills. The association addresses specific development goals and priorities with the aim of advancing social development of important target groups: disadvantaged youth and adults.
Today CACAV has 250 staff members. The (mostly volunteer) trainers have developed work with young people and adults in disadvantaged situations in order to help them to actively engage in learning and consequently in society. Through informal arts related training courses and workshops, people can develop specific technical and artistic, as well as team building skills. Through short courses / workshops, moments of learning and development of competences are provided in the artistic and personal aspects. In addition to the mastery of techniques of expression, interaction is promoted from a pedagogical perspective and through artistic creation. CACAV has a partnership with the Berardo Foundation, where, through educational services, the ÁGORA Project was developed, whose main objective is to provide education through arts to the local community. This project provides theoretical and practical classes on art history and contemporary art. CACAV also organizes a national painting biennial in partnership with local authorities.
CACAV promotes cultural entertainment events and exhibitions through the “Open School” project (created in 2005). A space for lifelong learning, which hosts conferences, debates, free courses, training courses of study and practical learning. In partnership with local authorities and the municipality, the association organizes cultural events, with repercussions in the community. CACAV also addresses topics of citizenship interest and inclusion.
CACAV has been involved in various local projects with the municipality and also has some experience in being part of European projects. Therefore, CACAV has an awareness of different ways of cooperating with other local, national and European organizations, namely with regard to team building activities as well as receiving groups.
CACAV also has experience with informal E-learning for young people in collaboration with European institutions, self-organized learning in the workplace (adults) and including multiple participants to actively engage in their own learning.
The project team is comprised of skilled people in the informal training of adults and they have experience of European projects.
