24 October 2025
Lisbon, São Luiz Municipal Theatre

Most cultural organisations – and the people who work in them – know what they do and how they do it. They rarely know why they do it, that is, what the main purpose of their existence is. And yet, it is in the definition – or perception – of this purpose that people find reasons to engage with certain cultural organisations and support them. It is this purpose that makes organisations relevant and important in people’s lives, as well as the values ​​that guide their thinking, attitudes, and actions.

When the purpose is not defined – or when it is based on a perception, either of the organisation itself or of the public -, each person can project their own ideas and expectations regarding the organisation’s reason to exist. This calls into question its coherence, clarity and positioning, making it more fragile and subject to interference of various kinds, including partisan.

Defining and publicly embracing our mission and values ​​has always been an essential, yet neglected, tool in the management of cultural organisations. In times of crisis – political, social, cultural – it becomes even more obvious, and urgent, that we know who we are and defend why we do what we do.

Note: apart from the keynote speech, the working language will be Portuguese.

Programme

9:30 am – 10:30 am
Līva Kreislere, Cultural Planning: Artist-Led Urban Transformation

Cultural planning approaches urban development through the lens of culture. It focuses directly on the involvement of citizens, active local cultural partners, and local government. Highly bureaucratised public structures often fail to react and adapt to the rapidly changing realities of cities. Considering climate change, migration, demographic and cultural shifts, can the public sector plan for the unimaginable? The cultural sector represents an opportunity for a new alliance with society, through the language of art and culture. It is a way to map and activate local resources, foster knowledge and empathy for different sectors of society, and shed light on complex aspects of the city, both geographical and sociological.

On October 25th, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, at the Belém Library, Līva Kreislere will hold a seminar on cultural planning. More information and registration

10:30 am – 11:00 am
Maria Vlachou, The Mission and Values ​​of Cultural Organisations: An Introduction

Break until 11:30 am

11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Panel discussion: Let’s be more pirates! Can we?

How are mission and values ​​defined? How do they influence and guide our actions? What should we do when we don’t identify with the values ​​of the entity that employs us? Can we create our own rules? What are the differences between large/small/public/private?
With: Américo Baptista (Boom Festival), Inês Matos (Editora Desmuro), Raquel Sambade (Coletivo ARiSCA) and Teatro Nacional D. Maria II (representative to be confirmed).
Moderator: Antonio Brito Guterres

Break until 2:30 pm

2:30 pm – 4:15 pm
Four pairs without a script

We will bring together individuals and cultural organisations for a short and dynamic exchange of ideas. What can we expect from each other?

  • Mariana Jones – National Museum of Resistance and Freedom (Aida Rechena)
  • Laura Falésia – Bad Habits (Daniel Pires)
  • Joyce Sousa – Santos Rocha Municipal Museum (Manuela Silva)
  • Shahd Wadi – Representative of the EGEAC workers’ group

Break until 4:45 pm

4:45 pm – 5:45 pm
Can we remain true to our values?

Several studies and communications warn of the increase in partisan political interference in the functioning of cultural organisations in different countries. What options do we have? Open mic and collective reflection.
Moderator: Maria João Faustino

6:00 pm
Closing