Get involved with the Sovereign Portuguese Art Prize
The Sovereign Portuguese Art Prize is returning for its fourth edition this autumn, shining a light on some of Portugal’s most exciting contemporary artists, and using the power of art to support vulnerable children across the country.
The Prize is organised by Associação SAF, part of the global Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) network. Founded in Hong Kong in 2003, SAF is a registered international charity with a dual mission: to recognise and support contemporary art talent and to bring the proven benefits of expressive arts to disadvantaged children.
This initiative not only elevates artistic talent here in Portugal but connects it to a respected network of prizes and arts education programmes across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Since its inception, SAF has raised nearly US$14 million, supported thousands of children worldwide, and boosted the careers of countless artists through its flagship Sovereign Art Prizes, held annually in Asia, Africa, and now Portugal. These Prizes showcase 30 finalist artworks in high-profile exhibitions, with proceeds from art sales split equally between the artists and SAF’s charitable programmes in each region.
SAF’s impact continues to grow, with major fundraising events held across the globe. Most recently, the Foundation raised an incredible US$1.8 million at its 2025 student prize award ceremony in Bahrain, held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. These international milestones demonstrate the Foundation’s reputation and the scale of opportunity for supporters and sponsors.
Portugal has also been recognised on the global stage. At this year’s Global Students Prize, Marta Lourenço from Portugal was awarded the Judges Prize for her work “Olhar”, earning top marks from an international panel of experts. Her school also received €2,000 in recognition of her achievement, a testament to the talent emerging from Portugal and the opportunities created through SAF.
The Prize also offers valuable opportunities for those interested in sponsorship. Gala guests include art collectors, philanthropists, business leaders, curators, and high-net-worth individuals, making the event a key moment in Portugal’s cultural calendar. With partners like O-Apartamento, Sociedade Nacional de Belas-Artes, and the Bacalhôa Berardo Collection, the Prize is firmly established as one of the most prestigious art events in the country.
The 2025 Sovereign Portuguese Art Prize will culminate in a black-tie Gala Dinner at Palácio da Bacalhôa on November 22, followed by a two-week exhibition at Sociedade Nacional de Belas-Artes in Lisbon. The 30 finalist artworks are selected by a panel of respected art professionals, after artists are nominated and submit their entries online. The overall winner will receive a €25,000 award, one of the largest of its kind in Portugal.
But the Prize is more than just an art award, it’s a fundraising platform for free expressive arts programmes that support children facing trauma, special education needs or economic hardship. Workshops are led by qualified professionals who help children build self-confidence, process complex emotions, and connect through creativity.
A pilot programme is already underway in Estremoz, and further workshops are in development for Lisbon, the Algarve, and other regions. SAF’s commitment to grassroots community support means that every artwork purchased and every Gala ticket sold directly contributes to this important work.
Local businesses, art lovers, and community leaders are encouraged to get involved, not only to support the arts, but to help make a lasting difference in young people’s lives.
For sponsorship or event enquiries, contact Tanya Bennett:
tanya@sovereignartfoundation.com
