Participatory Art and Community Building

The Potential and Limitations of Two Interventions in the 2 de Maio Neighbourhood

Abstract

This article analyses two social development projects utilising arts-based methodologies with participants from Bairro 2 de Maio in Lisbon. Although the two groups displayed distinct demographic characteristics, they were conceived as part of a continuous process. The study examines the role of artistic practice in fostering participation, personal expression, learning, and well-being. The findings suggest that accessible artistic practices adapted to participants’ characteristics promote social inclusion, relationship-building, and individual empowerment, although limitations remain regarding the distribution of creative agency and artistic emancipation.