Activation Day: Calhau

Aug 4

Written By AURE

A community-led day of reactivation, shared commitments, and new beginnings in Calhau.

Last Saturday marked the beginning of SOLM’s partnership with the community of Calhau. In collaboration with local residents and the Municipality, we came together to reactivate the space - the Casa Social - and take the first steps toward a shared vision for regeneration.

The day was the result of weeks of quiet collaboration. In the lead-up, a group of community members joined us in shaping the experience, helping to bring the Casa Social back to life, organizing the flow of the day, and spreading the word around Calhau.

We started the morning with a simple ceramics activity, open to all, alongside a little homemade bissap and a shared community lunch. The best surprise of the day? The number of kids who came, got involved, and livened the space. Their energy shaped the atmosphere from start to finish, a reminder of who this work is ultimately for.

We closed the afternoon by signing our first set of commitments with the community, a small but meaningful step toward building something lasting, together.

This activation was just the beginning. What comes next: regenerative workshops, ongoing dialogue, and shared experimentation, will continue to grow from this foundation.

This day would not have been possible without the tremendous efforts of our community team members: Chichi, Tutu, Jandira, Kevin & Marlene