In an Algarve where ancient traditions risk being forgotten, cane work is brought back to life by the hands of artisans and designers. At the invitation of Cooperativa QRER, we organised a Creative Residency in Alcoutim dedicated to the ancestral art of working with cane.
We joined designers Ana Contente and Ricardo Desirat (Sugo Design) and master artisan Ana Silva to explore cane as a living, versatile material. Through shared stories and passed-down techniques, pieces were created that celebrate local memory: the Smuggler’s Kit, featuring bird call whistles for long-distance communication, and strategy boards inspired by the historic games of Alcoutim Castle, among other playful creations.
The residency also opened the door to new apprentices, teaching them how to harvest, prepare, and transform cane, ensuring that this ancient craft continues to flourish as a living part of the region’s identity.
