"... the dimension of the challenge met by these
Creators shows that capacity beyond
all difficulties lies in the indomitable
strength of the will."
Domingos Rosa, in Message - Polaris Catalogue

“Tiago Lopes according to Almada Negreiros”, “Duarte Nuno Dinis according to Júlio Resende”, “Filipa Santos according to Frida Kahlo” are just a few of the works exhibited at Polaris, an inclusive exhibition of Contemporaneous Art, at Fórum Picoas, Lisbon, from 4 to 13 December, between 9 AM and 6 PM. This initiative is promoted by AFID (National Family Association for the Integration of the Handicapped Person) and is sponsored by the PT Foundation, and the National Rehabilitation Institute, among others.

Quinta do Cardo champagne bottles painted by the artists may be acquired at Polaris, thus contributing to the building of ‘Difference’ the new shelter centre of the AFID Foundation.

The exhibition “aims to honour (…) Artists in the fields of painting, photography and performance, with special focus on original creation and innovation, integrating Artists with physical, mental and social impairments, with personalities from the current Arts market”, according to Domingos Rosa, chairman of AFID.

Valuation and integration. Two motivations, highlighted by Nuno Quaresma, responsible for the project and painter, for the organisation of an event that is the culmination of a 10-year work in the development of young people with special needs through fine arts.

Nuno Quaresma says that he has learnt a lot about painting with these youngsters. And he explains why: “ they experiment a lot more than most people. They have no prejudice. I have learnt how to work in group (…), I have learnt how to live in synergy”. The next step is already defined: “To see Polaris as a regular, annual event. It is our ambition to have an independent commissioner”, discloses Nuno Quaresma.

Óscar Vieira, deputy director of the PT Foundation underlined that the PT Foundation sponsors Polaris with enormous pride. The inauguration of the exhibition, which took place on 4 December, was attended by Domingos Rosa, chairman of AFID, Óscar Vieira as well as Alexandra Pimenta, chairwoman of the National Rehabilitation Institute. The end of the session was marked by a video performance executed by youngsters from AFID and professional dancers. 

Alexandra Pimenta, chairwoman of the National Rehabilitation Institute; Nuno Quaresma, painter and Polaris manager; Paulo Castanheira, photographer; Rui Daniel, head of staff of the Secretary of State for Rehabilitation; Domingos Rosa, AFID chairman; Óscar Vieira, deputy director PT Foundation