IN a time where the established logic is to eliminate all cultural creation that cannot be converted into thousands of euros and social media likes in a matter of minutes, Estação das Artes [Arts Station] was born at the Santa-Clara Sabóia train stop, in the municipality of Odemira. It stands in direct contradiction to today’s ultraliberal and reductive concept of the arts’ role in society, whose disastrous consequences (in cultural programming, schools, and universities, for example) are already plain to see for anyone refusing to close their eyes. The initiative of Paula and Miguel Azguime’s (Miso Music) moves in the exact opposite direction.
This is literally an arts station because it’s located next to the train station in an old warehouse that Paula and Miguel restored, now providing all the necessary conditions for concerts, exhibitions, etc. The place is beautiful, dispensing with the nature-inspired chic décor so trendy nowadays. It is away from the city hustle and bustle, but here's the stroke of genius: you can take a direct train from Lisbon (Sete-Rios station) at 2:14 PM, arrive at 4:21 PM in Santa Clara Sabóia, grab something to eat in the bar area (or bring your own food), watch the 6 PM show, and catch the train back at 7:25 PM. Furthermore, all activities are free (yes, there are still a few rare partners who are supportive and willing to back an initiative like this), and with the new CP [Comboios de Portugal] green pass, the trip is also free. Therefore, the cost of the experience is no excuse to miss it.
I was there playing with the Riff Out Trio (INSERIR LINK), and despite being a new venue, it already has a loyal following, and the audience was very lively and vibrant. People came from everywhere, and the venue's characteristics allow for fantastic listening conditions and a uniquely informal, close relationship with the audience that extends into lively conversations after the show.
Rail transport – which successive governments ignobly disregard – besides being the most comfortable, is the most ecological and democratic form of mass transportation, and Estação das Artes takes full advantage of this potential without needing the “welcome aboard: since 2026” or any such unbearable touristic-capitalist lure.
If many railway stations like this one were suddenly to open, thereby taking full advantage of all the benefits of an existing physical network of lines, an alternative cultural network would emerge on rails, fostering real connection between people, who could thus travel without haste, regularly and at no cost, to attend a cultural event at another station and return home the same day.
Trains and railway stations are mythical elements in literary and cinematic fiction. I recommend the wonderful 2021 film “Compartment No. 6”, by Finnish director Juho Kuosmanen, about how our prejudices crumble, and how the meaning of one’s life and our need for connection with others can awaken on a long train journey. When we decide to leave, we enter a different state of mind, giving ourselves to the unknown, without fearing the unexpected – on the contrary.
And the solitary and cultural stop “Estação das Artes”, for all the best reasons, provides the traveller with a break like they never imagined. No one returns indifferent, and on the way back there's time to chat or to reflect on what was seen/heard, or simply to rest. Long live Estação das Artes!
