Kerala Dust @ Hard Club, Porto

After 9 years of cultural activity in Vila Nova de Gaia, Hard Club earned, through Porto City Council’s public tender, the right to explore Mercado Ferreira Borges for 20 years, opening to the public in September 2010. This historic monument, which dates from 1888, is classified by UNESCO as Cultural and Architectural Heritage of Humanity and by IGESPAR as Building of Public Interest, was thus returned to the city as an example of regeneration and architectural preservation. The 1st place of the National Award for Creative Industries, in 2009, the Declaration of Cultural Interest by Ministry of Culture and, above all, the praise of the public, arise as recognition of its value. Inside, Hard Club installed: Sala 1, for big events (1000 standing people) and Sala 2 (for 350 standing people) and which receive, daily, live shows, theater, cinema, exhibitions, performing/ educational/tourist activities and corporate events; Main Floor, with free access, an area that stimulates art exhibitions and small acoustic performances; “O Mercado” restaurant, based on tradition of Porto’s beerhouses, surrounded by a comfortable and relaxed environement. In the first 3 years of activity inside Mercado Ferreira Borges, Hard Club received 1300 events, 3000 artists (of which 2400 national and 600 international), 40 nationalities, 500 concerts, 350 nights of electronic music, 200 film sessions, 400 free entrance events, 120 exhibitions, 150 dance / theater events, 50 educational activities and corporate events of big companies.