The Government granted public utility status to Ao Norte – Association for Production and Audiovisual Animation, based in Viana do Castelo, through an order published today in the Official Gazette, signed by the Secretary of State of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Tiago Macieirinha. The association, which in December celebrates 32 years of activity, carries out its activities in the artistic and cultural field, dedicating itself to film club activities, training, audiovisual production and education for development in the areas of education and culture.
The opinion for the attribution of the status was approved by the Viana do Castelo City Council in September 2024. This status allows access to tax benefits and government support, reinforcing the association's social outreach capacity. The council highlighted that Ao Norte, established by public deed on December 2, 1994, cooperates with various entities, namely the Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo, the school groups of Monte da Ola and Santa Maria Maior, the Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual and the municipality of Viana do Castelo.
Since 1996, Ao Norte has been collaborating with the Viana do Castelo City Council on cultural development projects in the area of cinema and audiovisual, seeking to democratize access to film appreciation and train young people in new video languages. Through protocols, various projects were created, including film club sessions, the image workshop, the "Schools in Close-Up" project, a documentation center and the "Encontros de Viana – Cinema and Video" festival. In 2014, the Viana do Castelo City Council awarded the association the title of Institution of Merit.
