‘Network and Networks’ meeting
Mértola – 28 February 2025
The ‘Network and Networks’ meeting took place on 28 February in Mértola, was the result of a partnership between the Cláudio Torres Mértola Museum, the Portuguese Museum Network (RPM), which launched the ‘Network and the Networks’ programme, and the Baixo Alentejo Museum Network (RMBA), which held its 7th Meeting. With 48 participants, the debate approached partnerships and local, regional and national networks, mainly focusing on how the different types of networks coordinate with the RPM.
The welcome session was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Mértola, Rosinda Pimenta, the First Secretary CIMBAL – the Intermunicipal Community of Baixo Alentejo, Fernando Romba, the representative of RMBA’s Coordinating Group, Miguel Serra, and RPM’s Coordinator, Fátima Roque. During the morning there was a visit to the ‘Heritage Centre’, which is in the final stages of construction and represents a new challenge for the Mértola Museum, since it is a space that combines the Historical and Municipal Archives and the Museum’s Technical Area, optimising operating space and resources. On the other hand, it will be an important research centre that includes different areas for reserving the collection, a conservation and restoration laboratory, technical work spaces, technical-administrative and research offices, and a multipurpose area where, through a protocol with the Mértola Archaeological Site, the specialised libraries donated to this institution by Professors José Mattoso and Juan Zozaya will be included. The Heritage Centre is located at Além-Rio, in a complex that includes also the Mértola Biological Station and the Biodiversity Gallery. It represents an important effort to rehabilitate the buildings and boost the spirit of the small town, with an exceptional view of the Historic Centre of Mértola.
In this context, 4 papers were presented and moderated by Fátima Roque (RPM): ‘Da infinitude, adaptabilidade e territorialização das redes de museus‘ (On the infinity, adaptability and territorialisation of museum networks), by Clara Camacho (MMP and PNA); ‘A Rede de Museus do Baixo Alentejo – dificuldades e anseios’ (TheBaixo Alentejo Museum Network – difficulties and aspirations), by Miguel Serra representing RMBA’s Coordinating Group; ‘Museus e identidade – a relação com a(s) comunidade(s) e os públicos’ (Museums and identity – the relationship with community(ies) and the public), by David Felismino from ICOM Portugal; and, ‘O Museu de Mértola Cláudio Torres – que desafios?’ (The Cláudio Torres Mértola Museum – what challenges?), by Lígia Rafael. The debate was interesting and motivating, concluding that the challenges Museums face and the fulfilment of their museological functions can be overcome more effectively and satisfactorily through sharing, the exchange of experiences and good practices, as well as working in collaboration and partnership through the networks. It’s important to mention the attendance of the Algarve Museums Network, a strong inspiration for creating the RMBA, which always collaborates and participates in its thematic meetings with representatives of the RMBA museums and other museum units.
Thank you All for coming!