The Chairman of the Board of APCA – Atlantic Culture Promotion Agency, João Maurício Marques, presented the project “The Unknown Islands” on Terceira Island.
The public session to present the project took place at Angra do Heroísmo Town Hall and was attended by Sandra Garcia, Regional Director of Culture for the Azores.
To celebrate the Autonomy of the Archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, and mark the centenary of Raúl Brandão’s voyage and work, “The Unknown Islands”, the project proposes a vast and innovative set of artistic, cultural and scientific initiatives, promoting critical and creative dialogue about the island condition and what it means to “be an islander”.
According to the information provided, the project will involve dozens of entities from the two archipelagos. It will be present in all their municipalities, proposing a new approach to bringing the islands closer together and cultural exchange.
At the presentation session, Sandra Garcia, the Regional Director of Culture for the Azores, stressed the importance of cooperation projects between the Azores and Madeira, referring to the agreements signed by the two Regional Governments in 2024, which also include Cultural Aspects. For Sandra Garcia, quoted in the document sent to newsrooms, “it is crucial that cultural entities from both archipelagos take advantage of this APCA Madeira initiative to present projects and new artistic dynamics that promote contemporary regional culture”.
Throughout the project, around 100 events are planned, including congresses, theater shows, open competitions, audience engagement activities, a graphic novel, an original symphony, and a documentary film, among other innovative proposals.
Developed by APCA, “As Ilhas Desconhecidas” is co-produced by ADCA and CHAM Açores – Centro de Humanidades, and is funded by the Sustained Support Program of the Directorate-General for the Arts / Ministry of Culture, in the field of Programming for the 2025/2026 biennium.
APCA states on its official website that it contributes to the development and dissemination of knowledge, culture, and the arts of the Atlantic islands in the broadest possible geographical scope.

In Diário dso Açores-Osvaldo Cabral, director.