and delight locals and tourists. Yes, their individual businesses mean they have a vested interest in celebrating the cosmopolitan and cultural heritage of the capital of Portugal, but there is also a sense of pride in continuing to raise the bar on what has been achieved since the gallery opened.
Collaborations with other countries are viewed as a vehicle to grow the reputation of the gallery as a centre for inspiration for future generations. A recent exhibition featuring the art of jewellery making, included Portugal’s much-celebrated and intricate, gold filigree designs. Artisans from several different countries came together to produce a unique and inspiring collection, in a series of live demonstrations. It was so successful that it has been turned into a roadshow and is now touring Europe. It also inspired an idea that I felt sure would make the board really sit up and take notice. Something fun, bold and daring to capture the audience’s attention in a unique way before the exhibition opens.
I wanted to come up with an idea that would reflect the passion and dynamic vibrancy of Lisbon. The setting for the spectacular event playing out in my head was key and the monument of the Cristo Rei is a powerful icon. What I love about Lisbon I have decided, is that everywhere you look there are signs of the wonderfully rich past. It has survived everything from a devastating earthquake, a dictatorship, a disastrous fire, to a peaceful revolution in 1974 – nothing has dampened that air of optimism. So, a setting that looked out across the river Tagus and Lisbon was simply perfect.
The gallery doesn’t live in the past, though, it embraces the future as it pays homage to creativity in all of its forms. It’s housed in a sweeping, glass building, built on the tree-lined, waterfront promenade known as Avenida da Ribeira das Naus. Formerly an area that had fallen into decline, after a huge injection of cash it’s now a hub, an area people gravitate towards. It’s popular with joggers, cyclists, families, and tourists, situated an easy stroll away from the ferry terminal, Cais do Sodré. For me, it’s a ten-minute crossing from Cacilhas on the opposite side of the river, so it’s an easy commute each day.
When people think about an art gallery, first and foremost they expect paintings, but a true reflection of the arts encompasses all forms of expression. Here, we celebrate the skill and imagination of any visual form of creativity. Whether that’s because of its beauty, the emotion it invokes, or the senses it touches. It’s not simply about quiet rooms and walls lined with expensive canvases, but instead we try to acknowledge the vision and determination of those who seek to create. Previously unknown names are exhibited alongside those whose reputations draw crowds.
The exhibits are diverse. Everything from a beautifully turned piece of wood, a series of sketches capturing the abundant local wildlife, or a study of the colourful azulejo tin-glazed, ceramic tiles seen all over Portugal. Then there are the sculptures in stone, metal and ceramics – for me it’s heaven. What if, one day, one of my sculptures finds its own space in the gallery… I can only dream about that for now, of course.
And this is the environment I stepped into, determined to build on what my predecessor had begun. Organising large events is second nature to me now, but every day I worked for my father was a battle due to his overbearing, manipulative style. Today, I’m standing tall and my stomach is filled with nervous excitement. For the first time in my career, I’m about to be judged solely on the proposal I’ve put together and it’s a huge deal for me. But there’s no personal battle of wills going on behind the scenes here. If my proposal is too ambitious, then I simply need to come up with another idea – and I have plenty of those.
Taking my seat around the table, I give an acknowledging greeting. ‘Senhor Ferreira, Senhora Veloso, Senhor Portela. Thank you for calling this meeting at such short notice. While June seems a long time away, there is a lot of work to be done if you decide to move forward with this proposal.’
Within the first week of my arrival, I soon gave up trying to impress them with my limited understanding of their language. My pitiful attempts were met with appreciation but also amusement. It was a relief, as they assured me it was not going