Before the release of the series of podcasts recorded during LDW25, we have interviewed the host Filipa Belo to share her experience with our readers.
We have been thrilled to collaborate with you in the production of podcasts during LDW25. How was your overall experience?
It was an incredibly rich and inspiring experience. Being able to connect directly with so many creatives in such a short timeframe gave me a broad, diverse, yet deeply personal view of Portugal's creative ecosystem. I felt like we weren't just documenting a moment in time, but actually building connections between different voices in design.
With 96 participating venues and 250 designers, we had a big choice of guests. Our idea was to choose a diversity of guests active in the design ecosystem here in Lisbon to get a better understanding of their activities, their projects and issues. What do you think of the choice and what did you learn through the process?
The diversity was definitely one of the strongest aspects of the programming. Having emerging artists alongside established names gave us a multifaceted and realistic view of the current state of design in Lisbon. I learned that value lies as much in consistent processes as it does in the courage to experiment. I also picked up that design in Portugal is increasingly mindful of the social, environmental, and emotional impact of what it creates.
We were lucky through our partnership with the hotel Locke de Santa Joana to be able to host our podcasts series in the magnificent bar Kissaten here in Lisbon and to invite members of the public to listen live to the podcast sessions. Can you describe the atmosphere?
The atmosphere at Kissaten was one of listening and sharing. The space had something special about it - a certain warmth, perfect lighting, a calm rhythm. It made you want to be there and linger. It created an intimate environment, almost suspended in time, that encouraged deep and honest conversations. Many of the guests felt so comfortable that the conversations continued long after we stopped recording. There were silences that you could really hear, glances that connected across the room, and moments of genuine empathy between those speaking and those listening.
Did you pick up any patterns from your conversations with the various designers? What stood out?
Yes, several patterns emerged naturally throughout the conversations. One of the strongest was the collective awareness that we're still building the identity of Portuguese design, and, in parallel, of Portuguese craftsmanship. There's a clear desire to define what Portuguese creative identity is, rooted in our territory, our history, and our knowledge, but with a contemporary and international perspective.
Also notable in many episodes was the absence of a clear and consistent Portugal brand in the field of design and creation. This absence creates unease and a desire for action among the creators themselves, who see themselves as agents of change. There's an urgency for a long-term strategic vision that must come from both public and private initiatives, with a real commitment to the creative sector.
Another recurring reflection was the recognition that design and craftsmanship are gaining greater visibility in Portugal - the result of growing interest from both the national public and foreign attention. This "movement" brings hope, but also reinforces the responsibility to nurture this appreciation in a sustainable and meaningful way.
Do you think people in Portugal know about the tremendous design talent that this country has to offer? If not, what, in your opinion, can be done to raise awareness about them more?
I believe there's still a lot of talent yet to be discovered within Portugal itself. We often lack a culture of valuing what's ours. To change this, it's essential to invest in communication, education, and more visibility platforms. And also in accessible and engaging formats, like podcasts, that bring these conversations closer to the public. That's exactly why this partnership with LDW was so important - to amplify these voices and shine a light on projects that might otherwise go unnoticed.
When did you start producing podcasts and why did you choose this type of media?
I started producing podcasts in 2022 with Portugal Manual. I felt the need to create a space where artisans, designers, and artists could tell their stories with time, depth, and authenticity. Podcasts allow for this unfiltered listening.
How do you think it can strengthen the creative community of Portugal?
Listening generates recognition. And recognition generates community. By giving voice to creators, podcasts strengthen networks, inspire collaborations, and help build a sense of belonging. They're a space for reflection and sharing that can undoubtedly reinforce Portugal's creative fabric.
Main image credit Charlie McKay