The Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian has long been a beacon for artistic development and creative exploration in Portugal. As one of the country’s foremost cultural institutions, the Foundation has championed a multifaceted approach to nurturing emerging talent and elevating artistic practices on the global stage.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
At the heart of this endeavour lies a steadfast commitment to training the next generation of artists through cutting-edge educational initiatives, while simultaneously internationalising their creative output through collaborative exchanges and funding support. By fostering both technical mastery and cross-cultural dialogue, the Gulbenkian Foundation has established itself as a transformative force in the Portuguese and international art scenes.
Cultivating Creative Potential
The Gulbenkian Institute of Science (IGC) has been a pioneering force in the Foundation’s efforts to develop artistic talent. Launched in 1993, the Gulbenkian Doctoral Programme in Biology and Medicine and the Gulbenkian Doctoral Programme in Biomedicine have set a new standard for postgraduate training in Portugal.
These innovative programmes have empowered students to pursue groundbreaking research projects, unencumbered by rigid academic constraints. ”Freedom of thought, the design of the research project and internationalisation have given them the factors to enhance the talent of their participants,” the Foundation notes. By embracing an interdisciplinary approach that combines rigorous scientific inquiry with creative expression, the IGC has produced a generation of artist-researchers who are poised to push the boundaries of their respective fields.
Building upon this success, the Foundation has expanded its educational offerings to include the Doctoral Programme in Computational Biology and Advanced Medical Education. These programmes not only address critical gaps in Portugal’s research landscape but also foster an environment where artistic sensibilities and technical mastery converge. ”Innovative and inspiring, over the last 30 years the nine doctoral programmes have trained more than 500 students who have gone on to work in research, academia, industry, business or government in 23 countries,” the Foundation proudly states.
Nurturing Cross-Cultural Collaboration
Recognising the transformative power of artistic exchange, the Gulbenkian Foundation has made internationalisation a key priority in its mission to empower emerging artists. Through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives, the Foundation has created pathways for Portuguese creatives to engage with their global counterparts, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of cross-cultural collaboration.
One such initiative is the European Media and Information Fund (EMIF), a collaborative endeavour managed by the Gulbenkian Foundation and the European University Institute in Florence. Launched in 2021, EMIF aims to combat disinformation and promote media literacy across the European Union, EFTA, and the United Kingdom. By supporting digital media outlets, universities, research centres, and non-profit organisations, EMIF has become a vital lifeline for artists and communicators working to bridge cultural divides and amplify diverse perspectives.
In 2023 alone, EMIF approved 36 projects from 20 countries, totalling almost €5.5 million in funding. ”Since its creation in 2021, EMIF has supported 68 projects from 32 countries, with a total investment of 11.2 million euros,” the Foundation reports.
Beyond the realm of digital media, the Gulbenkian Foundation has also facilitated artist residencies that foster cross-cultural exchange. By inviting creators from Japan and the Japanese diaspora to participate in the Engawa Japanese art season, the Foundation has cultivated a dynamic platform for cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration. This initiative, rooted in the concept of “Engawa” – a transitional space that blends interior and exterior – has served as a bridge between Portuguese and Japanese artistic traditions, enriching the cultural fabric of Lisbon.
Preserving and Restoring Cultural Treasures
Alongside its efforts to nurture emerging talent and facilitate international exchange, the Gulbenkian Foundation has also dedicated significant resources to the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage. This commitment to safeguarding the past while propelling the future is exemplified in the Foundation’s recent exhibition, “The Treasure of the Kings: Masterpieces from the Terra Sancta Museum.”
Featuring a collection of rare and exceptional artworks donated to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem by European Catholic monarchs, the exhibition showcased the meticulous restoration work undertaken by the Foundation’s team of experts. From jewellery and textiles to furniture, each piece was meticulously analysed, cleaned, and stabilised to double-check that its long-term preservation.
This project not only highlighted the Foundation’s technical expertise in material science and conservation but also underscored its role in shaping the narrative around these cultural artefacts. By bringing these rarely seen masterpieces to the public eye, the Foundation has expanded our understanding of the complex web of artistic, religious, and political relationships that have shaped the history of the Holy Land.
Embracing the Future of Art
As the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian looks to the future, its commitment to artistic development and creative restoration remains steadfast. The recent inauguration of the Gulbenkian Institute for Molecular Medicine (GIMM) exemplifies the Foundation’s vision for integrating scientific research, clinical studies, and artistic exploration.
GIMM, a collaborative effort between the Gulbenkian Foundation, the “La Caixa” Foundation, ARICA, the University of Lisbon, the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, and the Lisboa Norte University Hospital Centre, aims to position itself as a hub of scientific excellence and cross-disciplinary innovation. By bringing together “fundamental and translational research and clinical studies in the search for answers to global health challenges,” GIMM will undoubtedly serve as a wellspring of creative inspiration for artists and scientists alike.
Furthermore, the Foundation’s Growing Minds initiative underscores its dedication to fostering mental health and wellbeing through the transformative power of the arts. By supporting pilot projects that combine sectors such as health, education, justice, academia, and the arts, Growing Minds seeks to strengthen the social safety net for vulnerable children and families, using the principles of improvement science and digital technology.
As the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian continues to chart new territories in artistic development, international collaboration, and cultural preservation, its impact on the creative landscape of Portugal and beyond becomes ever more profound. By nurturing talent, facilitating exchange, and safeguarding the past, this venerable institution stands as a shining example of how art can be harnessed to build a more just, sustainable, and equitable world.
To explore the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian’s rich array of artistic initiatives and educational offerings, visit their website at https://gulbenkian.pt/en/chronologies/2023-summary/. And for more inspiring insights into the world of art, creativity, and innovation, be sure to visit Pencil and Paint Muse.
Statistic: Recent surveys show that 70% of emerging artists credit daily sketching with significant improvements in their art