In Portugal, to participate in the 60th anniversary program of "Art In Embassies" promoted by the Embassy of the United States of America (USA) in Lisbon, the first lady of the USA, Jill Biden, recalled that "art is the evidence of humanity, even when it's easy to get lost in the differences. Art helps us."
Before an auditorium filled with artists, curators, professors, students, diplomats, and many other guests, the Rector of UCP and host of Jill Biden's visit, Isabel Capeloa Gil, qualified the first lady's presence at the Catholic University, as "symptomatic, since it encompasses a whole program that speaks, first, of the role of universities as transmitters of democratic values and the role of education as a path to a better and inclusive future; second, the role of art in promoting global dialogue and the importance of cultural diplomacy; and third, the value of transatlantic dialogue between the US and Portugal to promote democracy, dignity, and inclusion. "
For her part, the Ambassador of the United States of America in Portugal, Randi Levine, thanked the Rector of the university "the gracious hospitality," praising "her leadership and the work of the University that set the gold standard here in Portugal." This is why, he added, "I couldn't think of a better place than the Catholic University" for this event.
This was followed by a round table discussion moderated by Ellen Susman, with the participation of Mónica Dias, Vice-Director of the Institute of Political Studies, and some of the artists who authored the works in the exhibition "Democracy Collection: Advocacy Through Art", on view at the Amélia de Mello Foundation Gallery at the university from July 6 to 11.
Participants reflected on the impact their work has had in promoting dialogue and addressing social issues, recognizing the power of art to shape narratives and spark change.
