ABOUT US
Main association's objectives are:
We organize:
We are a new organization, but we've been working in Porto for more than 2 years
Organized events for the local community
Active community members
Number of participants of our previous events
WHERE, WHY and WHO
Initially, we started as an informal group of creative professionals in Porto, each engaged in different cultural activities for expats and locals. Our paths crossed at various events and projects, leading us to recognize a shared vision for making a positive impact through art and culture.
We met at meetings, workshops, and artistic events around the city. Some of us connected during weekend training courses, while others collaborated on long-term art projects. Realizing our common goals, we decided to work together more formally.
We united our efforts and opened an association. Currently, we have 8 board members: 2 locals from Porto and 6 from other European and non-European countries. Our team has experience in non-formal education, European projects management, community building and performative arts.
By pooling our expertise, we aim to create cultural experiences and foster an inclusive community in Porto.
If you want to become a full member of our association and get involved in our activities, fill in the form.
Former FC Porto handball player with a Physical Education degree in Porto Sports University, it was only a matter of time until Joao realized there was a great skill transfer from sports to acting. His physicality and creativity were always there, only the stages begin to shift... He started studying at TUP (University Theatre of Porto) and ESMAE (Higher School of Music and Performing Arts) and developing his own artistic imprint, working for agencies such as Lightbox or BENDITA Profession. Unfolding his skillset throughout theater stages, movie screens and street performances, you could say Joao's main interest lies in creating beautifully disruptive moments. Moments that make you question why human behavior is constrained to certain social and environmental standards and why, ultimately,humans participate in them and accept them as the norm.
Pavla is a freelance facilitator and nonformal education trainer who has been cooperating with diverse NGOs and institutions across EU and implementing Erasmus+ mobilities since 2018. She's using methods of nonformal education and arts (theatre/improv) to support self-empowerment of the participants, social inclusion and active participation. She's passionate about group dynamics, leading games and activities and generally facilitation of group processes. She's enthusiastic dancer and flow arts performer (yes, fire).
Agita, from DevOps Engineering, transitioned to community and group facilitation. She adapts the course to the group's needs and fosters community-building and trust. She shares her experience in moving countries, changing jobs to match her evolving passions, trusting intuition, having courage, optimism, and belief in yourself.
Yulia is an educator with experience in the civil society sector and a Gestalt practitioner. Currently, she is focusing on using Gestalt approach in Theater as a tool for self-development, social inclusion and community-building. She dedicated 10 years to the International Voluntary Service movement, supporting local communities to initiate volunteer activities, and running training courses on topics of leadership and effective communication, with the use of coaching tools and MBTI. She also worked for 2 large educational projects in Council of Europe organizing meetings and seminars on human rights in Russia.
Jim is a seasoned non-formal education trainer and facilitator. He holds an MA in Transformational Leadership and Social Change and is the co-author of the Amazon #1 best seller, “Designing and Leading Life-Changing Workshops.” Jim teaches leadership development workshops for government, NGO, and volunteer organizations internationally. He also trains workshop leaders in the Art, Craft, and Science of facilitation and hosts a weekly online professional development seminar on creating transformational events and experiences online. Jim loves to translate research breakthroughs in brain science, quantum physics, and contemplative practice into the design and facilitation of workshops that change lives.
Cristina Afonso dos Santos holds a master's degree in Economics and Management of Innovation and a specialization in gender equality. Her career, she has developed projects for the revitalization of urban marginalized areas Throughout and has served as an external expert for the European Research Executive Agency. She has recently returned to Porto, her hometown, and is actively involved in promoting social innovation and gender equality in her community. Additionally, she volunteers in the "Community" project to support refugees. During her free time, she loves reconnecting with old friends through music and theater activities.
Alekss has education and work experienced within the IT environment. His work style preference is in the logistics and planning type of activities for the environment to be as structured and flawless as possible.
Joana, born in Porto, holds a degree in Law and has worked at the European Commission in Brussels. Later, she founded Dona Doida Decoração, a project dedicated to furniture restoration and transformation and, for 18 years, she's blending creativity and sustainability with purpose. A mother of three, she brings to Décimas de Leveza her experience in networking, building partnerships and intercultural communication, contributing to the full integration of expats in Porto. She believes that art, sharing, and cooperation are essential to strengthening bonds between cultures and creating a more cohesive and joyful community through meaningful connections.
Joana represents the magic of enthusiasm, joy and optimism.
Buket has a strong background in data science and analytics. Renowned for her adaptability, she has collaborated with major companies in her home country of Türkiye, as well as across the U.K. and Europe. Now based in Porto, she manages financial operations.