Bootcamp #8 – Portugal, November 2024
Ethnography, Design & Sustainability
in partnership with the Students’ Association of Anthropology at the University of Coimbra
The bootcamp took place in November at the University of Coimbra, in partnership with the Students’ Association of Anthropology. It was designed to develop sustainable solutions to a social issue affecting a minority group, aligning with the core themes of the AnthroArt project. Although primarily aimed at anthropology students, the event was open to anyone interested.
Over five days, seven participants worked in three distinct groups to address the chosen issue.
Artist Michaela Jones (currently reading for a BA in Archeology and Anthropology at the University of Birmingham) created 4 illustrations inspired by the bootcamp process and the participants’ presentations.
The first group addressed access to abortion services and information. They developed a dedicated support line offering anonymous online contact with professionals in the field.
The second group tackled the housing crisis, proposing the creation of a forum bringing together all stakeholders—from students and landlords to policymakers—to foster meaningful dialogue and generate sustainable solutions.
The third group focused on women’s access to menstrual products in Portuguese prisons. They proposed an awareness initiative that includes an informational campaign involving prisoners’ families to raise public attention, alongside a product collection campaign during specific times of the year to distribute supplies to inmates.
