The purpose
The team
About FICA
In the workshop, we value manual techniques as a form of expression, cultural preservation and connection between people. Craftwork is not just a means of production, but also a space for continuous learning, where experimentation and the sharing of knowledge play a fundamental role.
We believe that manual know-how is strengthened through sharing. Through the exchange of techniques and experiences, we have created a space where learning and craft practice are developed collaboratively.
The purpose
A workshop dedicated to manual artistic techniques. One of the main objectives has been to democratize the know-how of manual crafts, promoting the sharing of knowledge, techniques and processes of manual and artisanal manufacture of three crafts in particular - Ceramics, Screen Printing and Carpentry.
Other crafts and techniques have passed through the workshop in collaboration with artisans and artists, contributing to the diversity of knowledge and techniques, such as Embroidery, Bunho, Basketry, Crochet, Bookbinding, Botanical Printing, Linogravure, Marbling, Punch Needle, Tapestry, Weaving, Natural Dyeing, Tufting and Xylography.
credits Hugo Sousa Films
In addition to our regular training activities, we also produce our own products, take orders and provide services. The creation of FICA Editions, The creation of FICA Oficina Criativa in 2024, as a sub-brand of FICA Oficina Criativa, arose from our desire to have a space dedicated to promoting and selling the products produced in our workshop. FICA Oficina Criativa has always been a place where manual techniques are taught and practiced and, as our creations grew, we felt the need for a specific space that could better represent our handiwork.
In parallel, and committed to the preservation and transmission of know-how, since 2018 we have organized, in partnership with the Lisbon City Council, a Made Fair. This event brings together artisans from the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, promoting a meeting between creators and the public, valuing handicrafts and encouraging the sustainability of craft practices. Feira Feita is a platform for the dissemination of handicraft work, providing a space for artisans, artists and handicraft enthusiasts to share, sell and exchange knowledge.
2026
The news
FICA Oficina Criativa is moving to new premises in 2026, the year it celebrates its 10th anniversary, to a renovated space where it will be able to host more workshops and participants. After Alcântara and Arroios, the workshop is now located at Rua Bernardo Lima 10C, in the parish of Santo António, in a central area between Marquês de Pombal and Picoas.
The new space has around 425 m² spread over two floors and was designed to respond to the natural growth and interest in manual practices, allowing up to five workshops to be held simultaneously and a greater diversity of activities. With a greater focus on ceramics, carpentry and screen printing, the program will also continue to focus on textile techniques, natural fibers, among others.
Marquis of Pombal
2026-Present
2016-2021
The beginning
FICA was founded in 2016, with the opening of our first workshop in Alcântara, at the LX Factory, where we will remain until 2021.
It was the starting point for a journey dedicated to handicrafts, a journey that has seen the collaboration of various artisans and artists over time.
Lx Factory
2016-2021
2021-2025
ARROYS
In 2021, we moved our workshop to Arroios. It was an increase from 100 m² to 300 m². Originally empty, it allowed us to design and organize it according to our needs. It consisted of three distinct areas, where our main trades - ceramics, carpentry and screen printing - coexisted side by side, creating a dynamic space and an atmosphere of sharing.
Arroios
2021-2025
Before and after
The Team
Founder / Trainer
Rita Daniel RODRIGUES
Co-Founder / TRAINER - MARCENARIA
GONÇALO ALMEIDA
COMMUNICATION
André Figueiredo
TRAINER - CERAMICS
Mariana CostA
TRAINER
mariana mesquita
previous collaborations
Since 2016: Carolina Nunes, Thais Pimentel, Maria Gnozzi, Antonina Kieliszewska, Ricardo Cao, Lili Laszlo, Mariana Almeida, Carolina Andrade, Daniel Moura, Beatriz Machado, Maria Amélia Silva.
About FICA - For questions regarding the FICA creative workshop, please send an e-mail to hello@fica-oc.pt.