The Regional Director for Tourism pointed out in Ponta Delgada that the Walk & Talk arts festival is "a major cultural event from the Azores to the world," stressing that " it has been growing in size and worldwide projection in little more than nine years."
 
Marlene Damião spoke Tuesday at the festival's presentation, stressing that "the projection achieved by the Azores destination abroad is clearly the result of the organisation of events such as Walk&Talk in the Region. Due to its innovative character, artistic component and its groundbreaking concept, the event has managed to become a reference in the international artistic scene in a short time, which is also a different way to promote tourism and what we have to offer."
 
"We believe the establishment of partnerships for the development of recreational and promotional actions aimed at internationalisation, as is the case of this festival, contributes to effectively enhance the visibility of the Azores destination in the desired market niches. Hence, we will be able to attract new tourists and, subsequently, more experiences," stressed the government official.
 
The Regional Director mentioned the work carried out in last years in the context of this festival, namely the artistic interventions in public spaces on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira, resulting in "a public art itinerary that already covers more than 70 urban and rural interventions on both islands."
 
Marlene Damião congratulated the Anda&Fala Cultural Association for the "ambitious and enterprising spirit that has propelled this adventure, which has put the Azores in the international artistic scene since 2011."
 
"A project that has surpassed expectations year after year, instilling new dynamics that have taken it further on these islands, in the archipelago and in the world," added the government official.
 
According to the Regional Director, this "event that calls for artistic creation, which encourages the involvement and interactivity between the local community and the outside. It is receptive to all kinds of artistic manifestations that instil an unusual cultural dynamism" on Azorean islands.
 
The Walk&Talk festival runs from July 5 to 20, involving dozens of artists and curators. Its programmes features activities in 20 venues and places throughout the island of São Miguel.