Sewing Memories, Embroidering Futures in Urmeira is a book born out of a collective process experienced in the Urmeira neighbourhood, as part of the Retratos da Urmeira project. More than just a record, the publication is the result of shared meetings, listening sessions and walks — a book made of time, presence and many hands.

Over the course of three months, local residents gathered for workshops on embroidery, drawing and conversation, exploring Urmeira and revisiting stories, places and memories. Amidst houses, cafés, schools, parks, clubs and squares, individual and collective memories were woven together: tales of childhood, daily journeys, acts of care, knowledge and dreams.

This publication bears witness to the importance of being together, of collective action and of recording the stories that inhabit the area. And, above all, it is a project about the people of Urmeira: made with them, by them and for them.

This initiative was developed as part of the Odivelas Local Integrated Operation, under the Communities in Action Programme, which is supported by the Recovery and Resilience Plan.

15 × 21 cm
Hardback
116 pages

Concept: Pri Ballarin
Workshop methodology and facilitation: Pri Ballarin and Lizandra Gasparro
Interviews: Andreia Monteiro and Lizandra Gasparro
Text: Andreia Monteiro
Editing: Sara Grilo
Illustrations (sketches): Maike Bispo
Photographs: Maike Bispo e moradores da Urmeira
Design: Pri Ballarin