• Facilities & Accommodation
• Staff
• Value & Alumni Impact
• Environment & Setting
• Community & Social Atmosphere

About

The aim of Buinho Association is to be an inspiring place which fosters creativity, collaboration and innovation. In 2015 we created one of the very first rural FabLabs in Portugal. Today Buinho is something more than just a FabLab. Our vision is to build a network of creative spaces in the historic town Messejana, always available to our members and residents. Those spaces will complement each other and offer diverse possibilities of collaboration and experimentation. Buinho is a work in progress — we are, together with our residents always improving the spaces and adapting them based on the overall vision and current needs. The residency program was developed by a team in 2016 with over ten years of experience with the organization and curatorial support of other residency programs in Portugal.

Local Information

Messejana is a rural town located in the southern Alentejo region. Is regarded as one of the best-preserved communities of south Alentejo, with abundant heritage, and that provides a sense of belonging and the natural setting surrounding it, makes it a unique place to experiment, create and learn. The residency offers a unique working experience in Southern Portugal. The historic town of Messejana is a place of delightful contrasts, between the past aristocratic houses with its hidden patios, the small rural dwellings, and baroque white churches all of which is surrounded by endless plains and old cork trees that characterize the Alentejo region. The residency is located in the sunniest region of Europe, with more than 3000 hours of sunshine per year. Messejana possesses a strong local identity with a population of 800 full of traditions, folklore, and festivities. The area is also famous for its gastronomy and is just 1 1/2 hours from Lisbon and other major cities.

Network Affiliations

• Res Artis
• Microresidence Network