“For Peace, For April” – Visual Arts Exhibition at CMTG

The Portuguese Council for Peace and Cooperation (CPPC) salutes the 50th anniversary of the 25th of April, which was, in itself, a realization of peace, by putting an end to the colonial war, by recognizing the independence of the peoples hitherto subjected to colonialism, by enshrining the defense of peace, disarmament and cooperation as values of the new democratic Portugal.

With the April Revolution, fundamental rights were conquered, many of them never before realized: in addition to freedom, the release of political prisoners, the end of the colonial war, the abolition of censorship, the dissolution of the political police, rights such as free public health and education, culture and housing, among many others, were enshrined.

Also as a result of the Revolution, 48 years ago – on April 24, 1976 – in a formal act but full of symbolism, it was possible to register the Statutes of the Portuguese Council for Peace and Cooperation (CPPC), although the struggle for peace in Portugal is much older and constitutes, for generations of democrats, an affirmation that in the concrete conditions of our country, Subjected to a fascist regime, the struggle for peace was simultaneously the struggle for freedom and democracy.

The 25th of April opened space for numerous political, economic, social and cultural achievements that completely transformed Portugal and that were enshrined in the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, including its article 7, which stipulates that Portugal is governed in international relations by principles such as national independence, the peaceful solution of international conflicts, non-interference in the internal affairs of other States, and which advocates general, simultaneous and controlled disarmament, the dissolution of political-military blocs, the establishment of a system of collective security, with a view to the creation of an international order capable of ensuring peace, cooperation and justice in relations between peoples for the emancipation and progress of humanity.

The CPPC reaffirms the validity of the values, achievements and achievements of the April Revolution, which constitutes the most advanced period of our national history.

The 50th anniversary of the 25th of April coincides with the intensification of threats to peace and security in the world, which have dramatic and disturbing consequences for the peoples. Wars, military occupations, economic blockades against various countries continue. The conflict in Eastern Europe is prolonging and worsening. Israel’s massacre of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip continues, and peace in the Middle East is threatened. Militarism, the arms race, the warmongering apology are intensifying. Investments are being made in the modernization and expansion of nuclear arsenals. The scope of intervention of political-military blocs is expanded.

It is in the hands of the peoples – namely the Portuguese people – to defend peace, sovereignty, solidarity and cooperation as an alternative to militarism and war, which is a central objective of the CPPC’s activity.

It is in this sense that the CPPC develops its activity in collaboration with artists and organizations, seeking to expand the culture of peace, which once again happens in partnership with the Peace and Art Society presenting this exhibition, “For Peace, For April”.

Visiting hours CMTG:

Tuesday to Friday

10:00 – 12:30 | 14:00 – 17:00

Saturdays

14h00 – 17h00