The Rodopio programme is an initiative of Guimarães City Council, coordinated by A Oficina, which aims to strengthen artistic education for children between the ages of 3 and 10, covering the 59 schools in the municipality's public network. The programme is aimed at students enrolled in Curricular Enrichment Activities, Animation and Family Support Activities, and Family Support Component, and is based on three pillars: continued artistic activities in schools, training for the technicians involved, and a regular programming of performances.
Councillor for Education and Culture, Isabel Ferreira, highlighted that the goal is for children not merely to be spectators of culture, but participants and creators, with artists entering schools and children having access to performances at A Oficina's cultural facilities. During the presentation session, which brought together school coordinators and those responsible for School Cultural Plans, the principles and operating model for the 2026/2027 school year were presented.
The artistic programming begins in October with the workshop-performance "The Father Who Became Mother," by Pedro Giestas, intended for first-year students. In January 2027, Teatro Jordão hosts "Puzzle," by Cláudia Nóvoa, for third and fourth-year students, followed in May by "Fear," by Daniela Cruz, at Centro Cultural Vila Flor, for second-year students. The Director of Education and Cultural Mediation at A Oficina, Catarina Aidos, highlighted the commitment to resuming regular programming aimed at child audiences.
Rodopio succeeds the Ante Pé, Mais Dois and Mais Três programmes, continuing over a decade of artistic work developed by A Oficina with the school community. In the last school year, the Mais Três programme involved more than 6,000 children, a number the municipality hopes to continue increasing with this new phase.