Master classes and Workshops

Between 2002 and 2010, Foundation OBRAS regularly organised masterclasses and workshops across a wide range of cultural disciplines.In later years, these activities continued on a more occasional basis.
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From 2002 to 2009, the foundation organised seven week-long masterclasses in medieval polyphonic singing, initiated by Erik Dijckhoff (The Netherlands). Each masterclass brought together around fifteen professional and semi-professional singers from the Netherlands, who were coached by renowned conductors including Erik Van Nevel and Marcel Pérès. Every masterclass concluded with two public concerts in prestigious venues (see Concerts).

Between 2004 and 2013, Carla Ramos and Nuno Araújo (Portugal) organised approximately fifteen workshops, each lasting a long weekend and aimed primarily at non-professional participants. Most focused on dance, theatre, and arts education, while others explored subjects such as yoga and natural medicine.

In 2006, Caroline Ansink (The Netherlands) led a workshop for composers. Participants came from Spain, Germany, Italy and The Netherlands.

In 2007, Karen Kerkhoven (Australia) led a workshop in contemporary dance. Parts of the workshop were site-specific, taking place in an abandoned marble quarry and in the garden of the Palácio dos Duques de Cadaval in Évora (Jardim do Paço). Participants came from Spain and Portugal.

Between 2007 and 2012, Paulo dos Santos (Germany) led five one-week workshops for advanced amateur photographers. Participants came from Germany and Portugal. One of the workshops culminated in a group exhibition at the Castelo de Evoramonte (see Exhibitions).

In 2010 and 2012, António Carrilho (Portugal) led two masterclasses in the flauta de bisel (recorder), attended by participants from Brazil and the Netherlands. The masterclass were concluded with concerts in the Igreja dos Loios and the Convento do Espinheiro, both in Évora.

In 2016, Margot Kalse (The Netherlands) gave a masterclass on the art and technique of singing.

In 2024, Jacinta Ganso (Mexico) organised two one-day workshops introducing participants to Mexican cultural traditions.

In 2025, Sarah Pedlow (USA) led a ten-day embroidery workshop combining regional embroidery traditions with contemporary textile art.