Women in Art Fellowship: A €27,000 Grant to Empower Portuguese Female Artists
Lisbon, Portugal – The Women in Art Fellowship (WAF) has launched its inaugural grant, offering a significant €27,000 to bolster the careers of emerging female artists residing in Portugal. This initiative aims to address the often-cited gap in business acumen among artists, providing a comprehensive launchpad for their professional development. The open call for applications runs until June 8, 2025.
WAF is a collaborative effort between VIA Outlets’ 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 specifically designed for women artists who have not yet received grants, gallery representation, or patron support, emphasizing the program’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent and amplifying female voices in the creative landscape.
The grant goes beyond financial aid, offering a multifaceted program that includes:
- Mentorship and Specialized Guidance: Expert guidance to navigate the complexities of the art world.
- Financial Support: Funding to aid in the production of original artistic projects.
- Networking Opportunities: Connections within the art community.
- Pricing Strategies: Education on how to value and price artwork effectively.
- PR and Media in Arts: Training on securing media coverage and managing public relations.
- Personal Branding: Development of a strong artistic identity and professional presence.
- Exhibition Space: A platform to showcase the final work.
Astrid Sauer of SOTA highlighted a key motivation for the grant, stating, “Portugal has so many great artists, but often they lack the business mindset in their artistic career.” This fellowship directly addresses that need, equipping artists with the tools to thrive professionally.
The program includes four masterclasses covering artistic identity, portfolio development, digital communication, and financial sustainability. These sessions will be coordinated by Filipa Belo of Portugal Manual and Astrid Sauer of SOTA, in collaboration with Catarina Tomaz, representing the VIA Outlets.
Joana Vasconcelos, internationally acclaimed Portuguese artist, serves as the godmother of this inaugural edition. Her work, which often explores themes of feminism, identity, and popular culture, aligns seamlessly with WAF’s core values. Speaking at the official presentation held at her atelier in Lisbon, Vasconcelos underscored the transformative potential of the grant: “Being an artist is not a profession, it’s a way of life.” While acknowledging that €27,000 alone cannot “create” an artist, she emphasized its crucial role as a “multidimensional strategy” to navigate the complex art world.
Vasconcelos concluded with a powerful message, citing Pope Francis’s words: “Everyone who helps bring beauty into the world helps bring harmony, and without harmony there is no peace.” She believes that by supporting these artists, WAF contributes to “more beauty in the world, and thus more peace.”
Eligibility and Application Details
To be eligible for the WAF grant, applicants must:
- Be women over 18 years of age.
- Be residents in Portugal for at least three years.
- Be fluent in Portuguese.
- Develop work in visual arts, design, sculpture, textile, craftsmanship, or other forms of artistic expression.
- Present an original project.
- Not have previously received grants, patrons, or gallery representation.
The selection process will see 10 finalists chosen by the end of June 2025. The ultimate winner will be announced on October 15, 2025, with a culminating exhibition planned for early 2026. The WAF program is envisioned as a replicable model for other countries, aiming to foster an international network of female artists and strengthen their presence in the global cultural sector.
Full regulations, information, and conditions for the fellowship can be found on the websites of Freeport Fashion Outlet and Vila do Conde Fashion Outlet.
