At a time when one lives the euphoria of the image, the everyday life recording has been widely reported. However, this day to day remains in the limbo of cyberspace. Being photography a mean of excellence in terms of recording every moment, Encontros da Imagem shows several works of documentary nature that, in a consistent narrative process, make us aware of contemporary experiences. Some of the work components to be presented are the consequences of economic and social crisis affecting Portugal, the imminent closure of factories, the joyful experience of Andaluzia, a broad social vision of the former Eastern European countries.

In order to promote and integrate Portuguese authors in international projects, several curators, museum directors and foreigners gallery owners are invited in order to acquaint themselves with national talents, allowing the creation of platforms for the movement of creative Portuguese artists. A pre-selection from a committee of experts will elect the best 20 projects that will be exhibited until the end of the current edition of Encontros da Imagem Festival. From all selected portfolios, one will be voted BEST EMERGING PORTFOLIO 2011 that will be awarded 7500 Euros and exhibited in the next edition of Encontros da Imagem.

Finally an old dream comes true: the creation of a space for education in the field of visual arts - GARE. It was created with the aim of fostering the study in various artistic expressions and the mission of creating art groups, acting as a training nucleus. This training philosophy is open to all persons wishing to develop their expertise in the field of Visual Arts and Photography.