The ICOM Portugal Autumn Meetings took place in Mértola on 18 and 19 October, with the theme ‘Museum Professionals’: Profiles, Training and Careers, and was attended by around 70 participants. In the first part, 3 papers were presented, by Clara Nchama, representing the Consejeria Técnica de la Subdirección General de Museos Estatales (Spain), Darko Babic, representing ICTOP (ICOM International Committee for the Training of Personnel), and Isabel Cordeiro, Secretary of State for Culture.
The second part included presentations by Elis Marçal, representing the Association of Conservators-Restorers, Lígia Rafael, coordinator of the Mértola Museum and member of the Coordinating Group of the Baixo Alentejo Museum Network, and Maria de Jesus Monge, Director of ICOM Portugal. The latter presented a reflection paper on the theme ‘Museum Professionals: Profiles, Training and Careers’, which led to a participated and very interesting debate around the current issue related to human resources in Portuguese museums.
The tribute to Doctor Cláudio Torres was an emotional and participated moment, brightened by the interventions of Ana Paula Amendoeira, Regional Director of Culture of the Alentejo, Santiago Macias, Director of the National Pantheon and researcher at the Mértola Archaeological Site, representing ICOM Portugal, and the Deputy Mayor of Mértola, Rosinda Pimenta. The day ended with a piano concert by António Vitorino de Almeida, in the Parish Church of Mértola, as part of the Exhibition ‘Teresa Magalhães – Um pouco mais longe’, which will be on display until 26 November in the Mértola Castle Exhibition Gallery.
On the morning of 19 November, there was a visit to the various units of the Mértola Museum, particularly the Weaving Workshop, the Main Church, the Alcazaba, the Castle, the Blacksmith’s Forge, Islamic Art, and the Roman House. The participants also had the opportunity to see the facilities of the Technical and Administrative Area of the Museum, which includes, among others, the conservation, inventory and promotion offices. It is also where the Museum’s important collection of Roman sculptures is currently being kept.