Graça Fonseca

Graça Fonseca has built her career at the intersection of civic participation, institutional reform, and cultural innovation.
As Portugal's Minister of Culture (2018-2022), she designed and led programs like the Network of Theaters and Cinemas, Network of Contemporary Art, National Arts Plan, while creating the first Legal Statute for Artists.

Previously, she served as Secretary of State for Administrative Modernization (2015-2018), designing and leading Portugal's pioneering National Participatory Budget and the SIMPLEX Program, cutting red tape and creating digital bridges between institutions and citizens. 

As Lisbon City Councillor (2009-2015), she pioneered Lisbon Participatory Budget, empowering citizens to decide on 3% of the city budget. Her citizen-centered  approach to Lisbon's Administrative Reform reshaped the city's governance structure through public consultation.

Currently, she co-leads the Futura Foundation, supporting young women addressing humanity's greatest challenges and teaches at Nova Business School. Previously, she co-founded Because Impacts agency and designed ""Boil Climate Festival” combining art, science, and humor to motivate social action.

In 2023, Graça was awarded as ""Democratic Innovator of the 21st Century"" by the ""Apolitical Foundation"" and the ""Democracy and Culture Foundation"", which distinguishes leaders in the world who advance democracy by putting citizens at the center of the development of better policies for society and the Planet.