WAF - Women in Art Fellowship
A grant that celebrates female talent and turns art into an active voice
What is WAF
The WAF – Women in Art Fellowship is a grant created to strengthen the presence and the voice of women in the arts in Portugal. It was born from the will to transform female creativity into real opportunities, giving space to stories that are still too often silenced or made invisible.
Mission and goals
WAF supports women artists with funding, specialised mentoring and public visibility, fostering both artistic and professional development. It focuses on original projects in visual arts, sculpture, design, textiles, crafts and other forms of artistic expression, connecting art, community and social impact.
Who is behind it
WAF is an initiative by 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. Together, these partners build a long‑term platform for art made by women, combining resources, networks and curatorial expertise.
Ambassador
Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos is the Ambassador of WAF, bringing her vision, experience and an internationally recognised practice marked by a feminist perspective and references to identity and popular culture. Her involvement inspires and amplifies the visibility of the supported artists, reinforcing WAF as a movement for change in the contemporary art.
Who it is for
WAF is aimed at women artists developing original work who are looking for conditions to grow their practice, before accessing fellowships, patrons or gallery representation. The Fellowship values diverse trajectories and prioritises projects with a strong personal vision, artistic rigour and impact on the cultural landscape in Portugal.
More than a grant
More than financial support, WAF is a platform for dialogue and encounter between artists, mentors and audiences. Through exhibitions, talks and public presentations, the Fellowship brings new female voices to the forefront, contributing to a more plural, fair and representative art scene.