Sónia Cabrita was appointed president of the Faro-based Associação Recreativa e Cultural de Músicos in February, making her only the third president in its 35-year history. Sónia tells Tomorrow of her love for the association and her exciting plans for the year ahead.
Imagine a lovely warm evening with talented local musicians performing and the chance to lose oneself while relaxing in the courtyard of one of the most iconic and atmospheric buildings in Faro’s historic old town. The Associação Recreativa e Cultural de Músicos (ARCM) is not only a fantastic venue for lovers of live music, but it also provides musicians and other creatives much-needed support, including the opportunity to further develop their talents and passions.
Sónia Cabrita has been involved with the ARCM for the majority of its 35 years, so she knows the association as well as anyone. An accomplished musician in her own right, she became president in February and is focused on further developing the association as a vibrant concert venue and a source of support for musicians and other creatives. “I never really set out to be president,” said Sónia, “but I love the association and this place has always felt like home. I want to see it grow and flourish.”
The ARCM is based in the old Fábrica Da Cerveja building, one of the most iconic locations in Faro. The association was founded in 1990 by a group of friends with the aim of providing rehearsal and performance stages for local bands. Since then, it’s become a thriving venue, complete with an outdoor stage and a concert hall with a capacity for 1,000 people. It includes an incredible 18 rehearsal rooms along with a state-of-the-art recording studio. It’s also a place where members of the public can learn to play drums, guitar, saxophone and piano, along with many other instruments. And it’s not just for musicians either; dance groups, theatre groups, DJs and other associations make use of the space, which has the benefit of plentiful parking just 100 metres away at Largo de São Francisco. Its popularity and capacity are such that it hosts certain Festival F events.
The ARCM generates funding from artists booking the venue, the lessons they provide, sales of beverages, support from the city council, and via subscriptions from its members who, in return, receive generous discounts on admission prices and venue bookings. The ARCM’s 1,300 members are a key focus for Sónia. She’s keen to see them at the forefront of the association’s development and to have a real say in its running and an input to its programme of events.
Sónia is set upon revamping the association’s website and appointing their first artistic director to work alongside her in shaping their programme of events. This is all work she does with love and passion, and without payment. I asked her what drives her: “I’ve always been involved in music. It’s given me the chance to express myself, travel and connect with people from all over the world. I take great pleasure from giving people the same opportunity.”
The ARCM is a dynamic and vibrant association that celebrates the power of music and cultural exchange. From live performances and jam sessions to art exhibitions and jazz festivals, it provides a platform for artists to express themselves and connect with audiences who are guaranteed a warm welcome from the many English-speaking volunteers who help run the association. The venue itself has a bohemian and relaxed vibe that fits well into the faded industrial atmosphere of the wonderful old building, making it an ideal place to hang out, have a drink and meet (or make) new friends. The weekly jam sessions on Wednesday evenings are especially popular with artists and musicians alike.
If you’re interested in being a member or want to develop your skills and/or make use of the fantastic space, then Sónia can be contacted at arcmusicos@gmail.com or on +351 968 506 072.
