Larger space responds to growing demand from artists, supporting a stronger creative community
GAMA RAMA has entered a new phase with the opening of a larger space at Rua do Prior 46, in the historic centre of Faro. Set in a former industrial warehouse, once home to the Refrigerantes Quintódio soft drinks factory, the building has been reimagined as a hub for contemporary creation and cultural programming.
Founded in 2020, GAMA RAMA began as a gallery and has since grown into a wider platform supporting artists through studio partnerships, exhibitions, workshops and collaborations with local institutions such as the Municipality of Faro and the University of the Algarve. Its move from a smaller space nearby reflects increasing demand and a growing creative community.
Art Shop – Photo Sara Caldeira
Led by Toma Svazaite and Miguel Neto, the gallery continues to focus on strengthening artistic production in the Algarve whilst building long-term connections between artists and the local community. In this new phase, they are also counting on artist Tom Leamon, who has reimagined both the creative incubator and the exhibition space.
Artist Tom Leamon – Photo Élio Martins
This new space brings together a regular schedule of public activities, exhibitions, workshops, talks, screenings, events and open studio moments.
“We do not want to be merely a space for artists, but an active agent in the cultural construction of the city,” Miguel Neto said. “Building bridges with schools, the municipality and the community is essential for contemporary creation to become part of everyday life rather than exist on its margins.”
“We felt that the project had outgrown the scale of our previous space. There was a growing demand for studios and working conditions that we could no longer guarantee,” he added.
More than a change of address, the expansion marks a step towards a more sustainable and collaborative creative ecosystem in the region. The space now hosts 14 artists from different disciplines and practices, encouraging exchange and experimentation, whilst continuing its international residency programme, now in its third edition.
“This change is not only physical. It is the affirmation of a long-term commitment to contemporary creation in the Algarve and to building a sustainable artistic community,” Toma Svazaite said.
New cycle: Inaugural exhibition Seasonal Fruit
The programme launches with the group exhibition Seasonal Fruit, running from March 28 to June 20, between 5pm and 7pm. It brings together artists connected to the gallery over the past five years, reflecting the evolution of a growing creative collective.
Featuring a mix of local and international artists, the exhibition highlights the collaborative spirit at the heart of GAMA RAMA’s development, featuring Albert Tannat, André Silva Sancho, Bisner, Bruno Grilo, Corpo Atelier, David Schmitt, Fernando Brazão, Graça Paz, Halina Magdalena Ekberg, Hélder de Sousa, Inês Pargana, Joana R. Sá, Los Pepes Studio, Luísa Leão, Milita Doré, Rita Kroh, Rui Vargas, Susana Cereja, Static Drama, Tom Leamon, and XANA.
Admission to the exhibition is free.
Source: The Resident.
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