Roundabouts across the Algarve have been brought to life with new art installations
World Oceans Day (June 8) saw the inauguration of new art installations at seven roundabouts in the Algarve in what aims to be a “call to action for the future of oceans.”
The installations were built by students from 17 schools and several volunteers as part of the Lixarte project, using rubbish collected from local beaches and streams to “recreate species of the underwater prairies of Ria Formosa, one of the many currently threatened habitats.”
The artworks are located on seven roundabouts across the Algarve in Bemposta, Portimão (near the Bemposta school); Parchal, Lagoa (on Rua Infante D. Sagres); Albufeira (Alto dos Caliços roundabout); Quarteira, Loulé (PNECO roundabout); Faro (near Teatro das Figuras); Olhão (Quelfes roundabout); and Vila Real de Santo António (Atuns (tunas) roundabout).
The ‘Lixarte’ project aims to establish itself as a project of “ARTivism and citizen science”, using art to raise awareness about the “urgent need to protect our oceans”.
Unveiling the new art installations on World Oceans Day was a decision that aimed to bring more attention to the worrying state of the planet’s oceans.
“With 90% of big fish populations depleted, and 50% of coral reefs destroyed, we are taking more from the ocean than can be replenished. We need to work together to create a new balance with the ocean that no longer depletes its bounty but instead restores its vibrancy and brings it new life,” the UN says on its website.
michael.bruxo@portugalresident.com
