Press

Founded in 1958 by a group of young students from the University of Coimbra, the Círculo de Artes Plásticas de Coimbra (CAPC) is the oldest Portuguese institution dedicated to the promotion of contemporary art.

The CAPC was always home to the Portuguese artistic avant-garde of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, it constitutes a pole of contemporary artistic production and diffusion and it is considered an important centre of independent art. Its focus is mainly contemporary art exhibitions which give particular attention to emerging artistic production; the production and publication of documentation on art and on the diffusion and discussion of contemporary subjects, seeking to shape an informed and participative public.

The CAPC has a collection of art from its six-decade-long history and a historical legacy whose importance is mingled with that of its own main office building (which culminated in it being classified as a Monument of Public Interest), itself a unique document in the narrative of the history of contemporary art in Portugal.

Today, the CAPC is a prominent producer of a new generation of artists whose activities constitute unquestionable references in Portuguese contemporary art.

CAPC organizes Anozero – Bienal de Coimbra, in partnership with Coimbra City Hall and the University of Coimbra.

Anozero – Bienal de Coimbra is an initiative from the Círculo de Artes Plásticas de Coimbra, organized in partnership with Coimbra City Council and the University of Coimbra. Its main objective is to engage reflection on the classification of the University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia as World Heritage by UNESCO.

Anozero is a programme of action for the city which systematically questions the territory in which it is installed. Actively contributes to building an active and transformative cultural era, both in Coimbra and in the Portuguese Central Region.

It will have its 6th edition in 2026. In 2025, between biennials, the 3rd Anozero solo show will be held at the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, between April 5th and June 29th.