It was born as a multi-brand platform, where people of different nationalities work. Here, we find mostly immigrants who have recently arrived in Lisbon, guided by the various associations they come across when they arrive, to find in sewing (or in the creation of tiles) an occupation or a way of starting life anew, with real income.
But the Cooperativa Bandim is much more than that. Bandim “mirrors this cultural diversity” that exists in Lisbon and, therefore, was born to be an integration tool itself, under the Aga Khan Foundation.
The Bandim workshops have become a showcase for the network of artisans hidden around the city – those who only discovered their talent sitting in front of these machines, but also those who already were when they docked in the city.
Here you will find pillows, handkerchiefs, bags, table runners. All produced by the hands of these artisans and designed in collaboration with the Renato Imbroisi Institute. A collection that tells the journey of fish and codfish through the various seas, in everything similar to the journey of the artists who sit here to create.
The project arose from a partnership with Vida Portuguesa and Portugal Manual, and the value of the pieces sold reverts to the artisans who made them. Only a small percentage goes to working capital for Bandim.
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Sustainable Development Goals
This project supports actions that promote the reduction of inequalities, empowerment, and social, economic, and political inclusion of all, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
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