The exhibition, promoted by the Social Action and Health Division of the Municipality of Barcelos in partnership with APACI — Association of Parents and Friends Focused on Inclusion, gives artistic expression to themes such as gender equality, task sharing, pay equity, disability, mental health, ethnic minorities, homeless individuals, migration, and the LGBTQIA+ community. The works originated from a challenge to illustrate the Municipal Anthem of Equality, authored by Ilídio Torres.
After a year of touring various spaces in the municipality, the exhibition has now reached ETG Barcelos, where it was inaugurated by the councilor for Social Action of the Municipality, José Paulo Matias. Also present at the ceremony were Jorge Cruz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ETG, and Maria Eduarda Rego and Joana Vilas Boas, representing APACI.
José Paulo Matias emphasized that equality is built through daily gestures and that inclusion begins when we stop focusing solely on differences and start recognizing what each person has to offer. He posed the question of what color equality would be if it could be painted, a question answered by the exhibition's diverse colors representing a society that excludes no one.
Jorge Cruz expressed ETG's satisfaction in hosting the exhibition, highlighting the relevance of initiatives integrated into the Municipal Plan for Equality and Non-Discrimination and the importance of bringing this theme to the school community.
Joana Vilas Boas, from APACI, underscored the work developed by the institution's artists, who, through their works, bring visibility to issues such as gender and pay equality, task sharing, the inclusion of people with disabilities, the reality of migrants, mental health, the situation of homeless people, and respect for ethnic minorities and the LGBTQIA+ community.
At the end of the event, ETG students and APACI users participated in painting a collective canvas inspired by the exhibition and creating messages on the covered themes, reinforcing the invitation to reflection and participation in building a community where diversity is respected and everyone has a place.
