This documentary journeys through the Algarve’s interior, following the protagonists of Watt? – An Artistic Project for the Community, whether they be residents, enthusiasts, tourists, or artists.

Let’s begin with the 7 artists: Xana, Jorge Pereira, Mariana a Miserável, Menau, Padure, Susana Gaudêncio, and Tiago Baptista. For half a year, they traveled the Algarve from west to east—Barlavento to Sotavento—bringing Public Art to seven towns: Vila do Bispo, Barão de São João, Mexilhoeira Grande, Figueira, São Bartolomeu de Messines, Alte, and Alportel.

They begin by introducing themselves and engaging with everyone who shows up to collaborate. Ideas are discussed before any intervention is made in these shared spaces. Here, the walls speak too—even the ones that are never painted.

It was the LAC—Laboratory of Creative Activities—that promoted the project in the Algarve and invited me to embark on this dual journey through the region. First, to present the project to people in the towns that would host the artists’ interventions, and to open up an honest dialogue about the ideas being proposed—listening to suggestions, criticisms, reflections, and encouraging participation.

Then, I documented the interventions as they unfolded in each place—not just the creative process, but also the reactions of people passing by, whether they were locals, tourists, or simply curious.

There’s a sense of freedom in this creative process, which is not confined to the promoters or the artists, but instead creates atmospheres that resonate with local sensitivities—and with those who happen to pass through these places.

But the opposite was also true at times, as if the entire project were suddenly at risk. This happened, for instance, when the Municipality of Vila do Bispo distanced itself from Padure’s intervention, which denounced the ecological threat posed by offshore oil exploration.

Much debate followed around freedom and censorship—what paths to take moving forward. But then, without further disruption, Watt? continued on its way, here too…

What surprised me most during the entire shoot was the engagement of the people around the interventions. Many of them wouldn’t have seemed, at first glance, to be the “target audience” for appreciating street art.

Most of those who participated and got involved understood that the project brought value and distinction to their communities—welcoming the artists, organizers, and everyone who appreciated the works in their own hometowns. When that happens, I feel the profound privilege of having walked and filmed all these places with all these people.

LAC – the Laboratory of Creative Activities – is based in a former prison in Lagos. It’s well worth a visit to meet the people and discover the vibrant projects and activities that flourish there.

Watt? was part of a national public art initiative supported by the EDP Foundation.