The National Library of Portugal (BNP) and CPS have recently signed a collaboration protocol in order to carry out joint actions favouring the representation and dissemination of the graphic work by Portuguese artists.

Bearing this in mind, CPS is promoting, alongside with the artists it represents, the enrichment of the iconographic collection of the BNP through the donation of an artist’s proof of the graphic works made by CPS, with a special numbering for this initiative (BNP 1/1).

The assent of the artists was immediate, and the BNP has already received copies of works by: Alexandra Margaça, Alexandre Costa Alves, Álvaro Siza Vieira, Carlos Barroco, Egas José Vieira, Fátima Fernandes, Jane Ward, João Luís Carrilho da Graça, José de Guimarães, Liz Collini, Luísa Penha, Manuel Graça Dias, Niurka Bou and Pedro Machado Costa.

Among other actions, new expositive and editorial projects will be developed, of which the first example was the retrospetive of the graphic work by David Almeida, exhibited at the BNP from 7 August to 8 November past, which also had the collaboration of the Casa de Artes e Cultura do Tejo, and the Municipality of Vila Velha de Ródão.

The joint regular programming will include an annual exhibit at the BNP of new works by artists who will become part of the library collection through the CPS.

The BNP is the Portuguese body responsible for the national bibliographic heritage, which includes an important collection of documentary and artistic iconography, a fundamental resource for conservation and knowledge of graphic work in Portugal.
This protocol has a significant importance, since it gives credit and value to the private collections of all CPS Members.