Arroz Estúdios

Arroz Estúdios began in Cacilhas in September 2018 as a nonprofit cultural association. It left its warehouse there in September 2019 because of property development, then moved in December to an abandoned complex in Beato, eastern Lisbon. At the new site, the association combines artists’ workspaces with spaces for music events. The complex covers about 2,000 square metres, with an indoor music venue of around 600 square metres and an outdoor area of approximately 1,000. It also contains two galleries, a pizzeria and ten studios used by artists and creatives working in music, visual arts, design, cinema and fashion. Planting A.I.R. provides participating artists with physical studio space and materials at no cost.

The venue closed temporarily in March 2020 during the pandemic, restarted events gradually that summer and reopened fully in January 2022. Its programme includes electronic music events, exhibitions, workshops, live jams, open-air cinema and a Sunday market. Promoters active there have included Contratempos, Arroz Estudios, BRKALEG and Radio Quantica. Among those who have performed there are A Guy Called Gerald, Bambounou, DJ Danifox and Mor Elian.

In September 2023 the association warned that redevelopment put the Beato site at risk and began looking for a permanent home. Its final dance event there took place on February 24, 2024, ahead of the move out of the complex.