La Smart Galerie & CERCIMA: Art, Inclusion and Community Impact in Lisbon
LISBON, PORTUGAL | OCTOBER 22, 2026
Beyond the Gallery Walls: When Contemporary Art Serves the Community
A contemporary art gallery should be more than a place where artworks are exhibited and acquired. It should also be a space for dialogue, cultural exchange and meaningful engagement with society.
At La Smart Galerie, located in Lisbon's creative district of LX Factory, we believe that art reaches its fullest potential when it creates connections between people.
On October 22, 2026, our gallery had the privilege of welcoming participants from CERCIMA for a special artistic initiative organised by Paris 75 Image, with contemporary artist O Gringo and the collaboration of Tile Painting Workshop and LX Factory.
This gathering was part of a long-standing relationship with CERCIMA, built over several years on shared values of inclusion, respect and solidarity.
For one memorable day, La Smart Galerie became a collective creative studio, bringing together artistic practice, Portuguese cultural heritage and a commitment to social responsibility.
Two Creative Workshops, One Shared Commitment
Contemporary Art with O Gringo: Supporting Casa do Moinho
During the first workshop, contemporary artist O Gringo invited CERCIMA participants to explore their creativity through ceramic tile painting.
Surrounded by the artist's contemporary works, participants experimented with colours, forms and individual artistic expression in an atmosphere of encouragement and collaboration.
The painted tiles will be developed into artworks and subsequently offered for sale through La Smart Galerie.
100% of the proceeds from these artwork sales will be dedicated to the construction of Casa do Moinho, CERCIMA's residential care project.
By connecting artistic creation with a tangible social objective, this initiative demonstrates how the cultural sector can contribute meaningfully to the wider community.
Each artwork carries its own visual identity, but all share a common purpose: supporting a project designed to improve people's lives.
Traditional Portuguese Tile Painting: A Public Mural at LX Factory
The second workshop was led by Teresa from Tile Painting Workshop, introducing participants to the traditional Portuguese art of azulejo painting.
Through individual creations and collective participation, the workshop celebrated both personal expression and Portugal's rich ceramic heritage.
Following the firing process, the painted tiles are intended to become part of a collective mural to be installed outdoors at LX Factory.
This future public artwork will give lasting visibility to CERCIMA's mission, inviting visitors, residents and the international community to discover and support the cause.
The project will extend the artistic experience beyond the gallery walls and into one of Lisbon's most visited creative spaces.
Casa do Moinho: A Project Worth Supporting
The purpose of this initiative extends far beyond the workshops themselves.
CERCIMA is a Portuguese cooperative dedicated to education, rehabilitation, empowerment and social inclusion, supporting people with disabilities and their families.
Its Casa do Moinho project aims to establish a residential care facility in the Montijo and Alcochete area, providing an inclusive and supportive living environment.
By dedicating the proceeds from the artworks created with O Gringo to this project, La Smart Galerie and Paris 75 Image seek to connect the world of contemporary art with a concrete social need.
We believe that cultural organisations, businesses, collectors and individual supporters all have a role to play in building a more inclusive society.
Discover and support Casa do Moinho:
https://cercima.pt/recursos/casa-do-moinho/
A Collaboration Rooted in a Shared History
The relationship between O Gringo and CERCIMA began several years before this event.
In 2023, the artist conducted an inclusive creative workshop with CERCIMA participants at Lisbon's National Tile Museum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo).
That first encounter marked the beginning of a continuing artistic and human collaboration.
The October 2026 event at La Smart Galerie represents another chapter in that journey, with new partners and an expanded commitment to supporting CERCIMA through art.
La Smart Galerie and Paris 75 Image: Culture with a Purpose
As part of the Paris 75 Image Group, La Smart Galerie believes that contemporary art galleries can play an active role in cultural and social development.
Our commitment to artistic excellence is inseparable from our belief in the value of human relationships, shared experiences and long-term partnerships.
Working alongside O Gringo, CERCIMA, LX Factory and Tile Painting Workshop has once again demonstrated the extraordinary capacity of art to bring people together.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the participants, the CERCIMA teams and every partner who contributed to this meaningful encounter.
We also invite collectors, businesses, cultural institutions and members of the public to discover how they can support the Casa do Moinho project.
Because the true value of art is not measured solely by what it represents, but also by what it makes possible.
Discover the Complete Event Report
The full photographic report, the history of this collaboration and the documentary video are available through O Gringo Factory, the official documentary platform dedicated to the artist's work and cultural projects.
Read the complete report:
https://ogringofactory.com/o-gringo-e-cercima-arte-lx-factory-2026/
La Smart Galerie
Contemporary Art · Cultural Partnerships · Community Engagement
LX Factory — Lisbon, Portugal
Organised by: Paris 75 Image
With: O Gringo, CERCIMA, La Smart Galerie, LX Factory and Tile Painting Workshop
Official websites:
La Smart Galerie — https://www.lasmartgalerie.com/
O Gringo — https://www.ogringo75.com/
O Gringo Factory - https://ogringofactory.com/
CERCIMA — https://cercima.pt/
LX Factory — https://lxfactory.com/
O Gringo Shop — https://shop.ogringo75.com/
Gusttavo Borges