- Insiders Profile -
Brooke Waterhouse
Co-Founder
POR:TA Association
◆ What inspired you to create POR:TA, and how did the idea evolve from concept to platform?
POR:TA was born out of love and necessity. When I moved to Lisbon in 2020 from San Francisco—where I had founded and directed Project One Gallery, a pioneering hybrid gallery that elevated artists and created culture—we were responding to a clear cultural need.
Immersing myself in the local arts scene with my dear friends Henrique Peyssonnesu Nunes and Nuno Ramos, I was struck by how many gifted artists, artisans, and performers lacked access to resources, recognition, or sustainable support. There was no shortage of talent—what was missing was visibility, funding, and structured opportunity. Public and private support for the arts here is limited. That’s the problem POR:TA set out to solve.
Henrique and I envisioned an association—not a gallery or studio, but a platform—for all the arts. We pitched the idea to CMS Law Firm during lockdown. They generously took on the legal work pro bono, enabling us to form the nonprofit with speed and precision. José Cabaço, a renowned creative director with deep roots in global brand culture, joined us shortly after to help shape our identity and future.
Our very first initiative, Passa ao Futuro’s Summer School in Évora, embodied everything we believed in: the preservation of ancestral crafts, intergenerational learning, and the creative exchange between contemporary designers and traditional artisans. Supporting them confirmed our mission and set the tone for what POR:TA would become—a cultural gateway that bridges heritage and innovation, local knowledge and global vision.
From that moment on, our purpose sharpened. POR:TA, meaning “door,” and officially POR TODAS AS ARTES—for all the arts—now supports artists across disciplines: music, visual art, performance, craft, and, launching this year, digital arts and cinema. Since our founding, we’ve helped over 128 artists through funding, promotion, education, and opportunity. We exist to open doors where none currently exist.
◆ If you had to describe POR:TA in just three words, what would they be?
Inspire. Connect. Support.
Passa ao Futuro Summer School, “Craftsmanship Meets Digital Fabrication - Design & Build”
◆ POR:TA is described as a platform for “slow culture.” How do you define that, and why is it important today?
At POR:TA, we believe culture isn’t something to be consumed and discarded—it’s something to be lived, shared, and preserved. Our commitment to integrity and sustainability means we choose depth over speed, quality over hype. We take our time to build relationships, create meaningful opportunities, and develop projects that have a real impact.
◆ Can you share a moment from one of your residencies or programs that truly captured the spirit of POR:TA?
Our collaboration with SKOOLA and founder Mariana Duarte Silva, a youth-centered nonprofit focused on music education, was one of those soul-stirring experiences. Their mission to bring music to underserved students aligned perfectly with our values.
The event we co-hosted was full of joy, talent, and community energy. Two student pianists—Wilson and Brayner—performed that night and were later invited back for their first paid gigs at our second music session. That full-circle moment, watching them shine, reminded us why POR:TA matters. We don’t just support artists—we create launchpads for futures.
◆ How do you approach hospitality not just as hosting, but as a cultural and philosophical practice?
At POR:TA, hospitality is culture in action. It means a radical welcome. It’s about holding space—emotionally, intellectually, and energetically—where people feel seen, safe, and free to express. We aim to create environments that invite dialogue, vulnerability, and genuine connection. Whether it’s a dinner, a residency, or a salon, we treat hospitality as an art form.
Fundraiser for Skoola, Academia de Música Urbana
◆ Walk us through your ideal day in Lisbon.
My mornings begin with my children, Zander and Savannah, getting them off to school. That time with them is incredibly special to me—it’s my priority and the heart of my day. I love walking through Estrela Park—it gives me a sense of peace. Then I usually grab a juice at MOM in Praça das Flores, opened by dear friends. The rest of the day unfolds with creative and strategic meetings, artist visits, some wellness for the body, and always a bit of writing or reflection. Evenings are often spent at small dinners or cultural events, usually shared with my family and close friends. At home, we love cooking together, listening to music, playing a lot of backgammon, and simply connecting. These moments of connection are where I feel most grounded.
◆ In your view, how is Lisbon evolving as a cultural city? What excites you—and what concerns you?
There’s a powerful cultural momentum here. Galleries like Underdogs and Francisco Fino, and institutions like CAM, MACAM, MAAT, and the Albuquerque Foundation are expanding the conversation. Events like ARCO, Lisbon by Design, and the soon-to-open Julião Sarmento Museum are drawing global attention.
But we must nurture this growth carefully. My concern is sustainability—are local artists and institutions receiving the resources and support they need? Or is it only the international names getting spotlighted? POR:TA is here to help rebalance that. We’re building frameworks for lasting impact and local resilience.
POR:TA, just like art itself, continues to evolve. We’ve listened and responded to our community—launching new initiatives, partnerships, and most recently, Academia da POR:TA, a cultural education platform designed to empower artists with practical tools, mentorship, and professional development. To date, we’ve supported over 128 artists, and we’re just getting started.
CAM | Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
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◆ What’s something unexpected you’ve learned about running a cultural association?
That we are, by default, activists. Supporting the arts today is not neutral—it’s political, emotional, essential. We’ve learned how vital collaboration is, how critical community is. This work demands every part of you. It’s exhausting—and exhilarating. We’ve also learned that support must be comprehensive. POR:TA funds artists through open calls and patron-supported programs, promotes their work through events and storytelling, and now—with Academia da POR:TA—offers educational tools so they can thrive creatively and professionally.
◆ Are there Lisbon-based initiatives you feel aligned with?
I deeply admire what CAM is doing under Benjamin Weil and Ana Botella—pushing boundaries while holding space for contemplation. I’m also inspired by Those Who Dance and the emerging voices coming out of Marvila. There’s something vital happening here, especially when it’s driven by collaboration and curiosity, not ego or hype.
◆ Favorite hidden gem?
Consigo in Estrela. A soulful and intimate organic market run by a couple who bring produce from their farm in Sintra. Every detail is intentional. I feel nourished by their warmth and food. Highly recommend.
