CNAD: New Cape Verde Museum for Craft and Design Opens in Mindelo

The Centro Nacional de Arte, Artesanato e Design (CNAD) has opened in Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde, marking the country's first purpose-built institution for local artistic crafts and contemporary design. Designed by Ramos Castellanos Architects, the building features a distinctive metal facade made from recycled lids of barrels used by the Cape Verdean diaspora to ship goods home. The double-ventilated facade provides passive temperature control, while photovoltaic panels supply electricity. The building's color palette encodes a musical score by composer Vasco Martins. Director Irlando Ferreira describes the museum as unique in Cape Verde, with galleries for permanent and temporary exhibitions, a library, and a research center. The museum aims to stimulate and promote local craftsmanship and design in dialogue with visual arts, through exhibitions, residencies, workshops, and seminars. Inaugural shows include 'Criação cabo-verdiana: Percursos' (1970–2015 local craft) and 'FIOS – Tapeçaria de Cabo Verde' (Cape Verdean tapestry). Minister of Culture and Creative Industry Abraão Vicente stated the opening presents ongoing challenges for a generation of creatives in Mindelo and the nation.