WAF - Women in Art Fellowship
A grant that celebrates female talent and transforms art into an active voice.
Art has the power to tell stories, awaken consciences and create bridges between worlds. All too often, however, female voices continue to be silenced or made invisible in the artistic scene.
The WAF - Women in Art Fellowship was created to challenge this reality.
Created by the VIA Outlets centres in Portugal (Freeport Lisboa Fashion Outlet and Vila do Conde Porto Fashion Outlet), in partnership with Portugal Manual and SOTA - State of the Art, this initiative aims to support female artists in Portugal with funding, mentorship and real visibility.
WAF is more than just a grant, it is a platform for the feminine perspective in art and was created for cis and trans women artists who:
- Develop work in visual arts, design, sculpture, textiles, crafts or other forms of artistic expression
- Present an original project
- Have not yet received grants, patrons or gallery representation
- Have been residents in Portugal for at least 3 years
- Have mastered the Portuguese language
The selected artist will receive:
- Financial support to develop an original project
- Specialised support and mentoring
- Space to exhibit and promote their final work
If you are developing an original artistic project and are looking for support to realise it, WAF could represent a valuable opportunity for development and visibility.
You can read the TERMS AND CONDITIONS here and find out about the application criteria.
Who is bringing this project to life?
WAF was born out of the collaboration between three organisations that share a common vision:
- VIA Outlets Portugal - Operational and financial partner, responsible for guaranteeing the resources and visibility needed to make the programme a reality.
- Filipa Belo | Portugal Manual - Curator and strategic consultant, recognised for her work in promoting handicrafts and the creative industries in Portugal.
- Astrid Sauer | SOTA - Founder and CEO of SOTA - State of the Art, strategic and cultural consultant, curator and specialist in contemporary art. Regular speaker and commentator in the cultural field.
Together, they are building a scholarship that not only supports female talent, but proposes a new model with a lasting impact on the creative economy and the valorisation of art made by women.
An inspiring godmother: Joana Vasconcelos
For the first edition of WAF, we are honoured to have one of Portugal’s most internationally celebrated artists on board: Joana Vasconcelos.
Her work uniquely combines feminism, identity and popular culture. Joana will be the godmother of this edition, accompanying the process and amplifying the visibility of the selected artist.
A reference supporting the future of art created by women.