Women in Art Fellowship Launches in Lisbon

to Celebrate and Support Female Artists in Portugal

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A new chapter for female creativity has officially begun in Lisbon. We had the pleasure of attending the debut of the Women in Art Fellowship (WAF)—an initiative that marks a long-term commitment to supporting and celebrating women artists across Portugal.

The launch took place on 9 May 2025 inside the atelier of celebrated Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, who also serves as the patron of this first edition. Intimate and symbolic, the gathering was more than just a debut, it set the tone for a future shaped by vision, purpose, and artistic empowerment.

WAF is a platform to give voice to female creativity, celebrate artistic talent, and strengthen the call for gender equality in the cultural sector.

Created by Freeport Lisboa Fashion Outlet and Vila do Conde Porto Fashion Outlet, in partnership with Portugal Manual and SOTA – State of the Art, the fellowship is backed by investment and aims to support women artists in Portugal through funding, mentorship, and professional exposure.

How to apply?

The Women in Art Fellowship (WAF) is open to women artists living in Portugal who are looking to take the next step in their creative careers. Applicants must:

Work in visual arts, crafts, design, sculpture, textile art, or other artistic disciplines
Have an original body of work or project
Not have previously received support from grants, sponsorships, or patrons
Not be represented by a gallery or commercial art agent
Have lived in Portugal for at least three years
Have a strong command of the Portuguese language

WAF offers more than financial support, it provides training, visibility, and valuable connections with mentors and leading figures in the cultural sector.

Key Dates

Applications open: 9 May – 8 June 2025
Finalists announced: 30 June 2025
Masterclasses: July to September 2025
Winner revealed: 15 October 2025
Mentorship programme: Q4 2025
Final exhibition: February–March 2026

Each edition of the Fellowship will be guided by a “godmother”—a leading female artist who champions the participants. For this year, Joana Vasconcelos offers not only her support, but her studio, her platform, and her voice.

Rooted in Lisbon’s vibrant creative scene and powered by forward-thinking values, the Women in Art Fellowship is more than a grant, it’s a movement.

If you enjoyed this article, you should check Lisbon by Design 2025: A Five-Year Milestone of Portuguese Craftsmanship and Contemporary Design