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To celebrate October 5, the Day of the Foundation of the Republic, 16 Portuguese plastic artists were challenged to show their work in the gardens of the Palace of Belém, the official residence of the President of the Republic. The result? An exhibition in which the historical background lives in common with unexpected forms and materials, in an evident creative exercise which well demonstrates the high standard of quality in the field of Portuguese inspirational artistry.

In the last few decades Portugal has seen an extraordinary development in the field of Plastic Arts, with a surprising and constant artistic and cultural production exhibited in numerous national and international events. For this reason the Palace of Belém is proud to be the stage of this exhibition, which brings together a group of plastic artists of different generations, and to whom I express my gratitude for the enthusiasm with which they greeted this challenge.

I am certain that Culture and its promotion can and must be assumed with everybody’s responsibility, and that the concurrence of efforts between institutions, galleries, cultural agents and artist is always very beneficial.

And for me it is once again a great honour to be able to welcome, in the Palace of Belém, on October 5, all who should wish to visit. The gardens are thus open, with an invitation to discover Portuguese Art.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva