ZHA! is a community-based project that works in the borough of Campanhã (in Porto). “It’s a long-term work, with close proximity and a bond built with the Gypsy communities in these areas” explains André Sousa, responsible for Social Coordination. Inês Carvalho, artistic director, adds: “First and foremost, it aims to prompt recognition in others. Because gypsies are an extremely abstract entity, and it’s the lack of knowledge that creates a lot of misunderstandings”.

Letícia Maia, one of the participants in the project, recognises these prejudices well and says that, with this project, “people will find out that our culture is nothing like they think”. Patrícia Carvalho and Rui Maia, who present themselves as “couple of modern gypsies”, have noticed a “big difference” in their two eldest daughters since joining the project, and they even notice how “they’re better at school, they are calmer, they know more things, they participate more”.

The ZHA! project has produced an album with eight original songs and three music videos, and a show called “LARAY”, which in Romanô means something like “let’s live”. Supported by the Calouste Gulbenkian and ‘la Caixa’ foundations, ZHA! has Visões Úteis as its artistic partner and promoter and has an important network of social, cultural and educational partners. In the words of Inês Carvalho, it’s a journey of “profound learning from both parties”.