On 5 November at 18:00, the Jardins do Bombarda in Lisbon will host the public presentation of When we step outside, what place are we looking for? Art in public space and placemaking, a new Outdoor Arts Portugal publication dedicated to exploring the relationship between art, public space, and territorial transformation.

The event will feature Bruno Costa and Daniel Vilar, co-directors of Bússola and editorial coordinators of the book, as well as two of the contributing authors, Luís Sousa Ferreira (Riscado/National Theatre D. Maria II) and Tiago Mota Saraiva (ateliermob).

In an open conversation with the audience, the speakers will reflect on the role of art in public space as a tool for placemaking, civic participation, and cultural well-being, exploring how artistic creation can help shape cities and rural territories that are more inclusive, sustainable, and vibrant. The session offers a strategic perspective on the future of public-space arts, highlighting the importance of culture as a pillar of urban planning and development, and as an active force in building fairer, more conscious, and participatory communities.

This bilingual edition (Portuguese and English) brings together insights from national and international authors - artists, curators, architects, and programmers - including Charles Landry, Ramon Marrades, Jamie Bennett, Karine Décorne, Sud Basu, and Rachel Clare, among others. The book stands as a relevant contribution to the contemporary debate on creative placemaking, cultural policy, and the transformative power of the arts in the spaces we inhabit.

Admission is free and open to all.

Support: Direção-Geral das Artes, Largo Residências, Jardins do Bombarda.