Convento do Beato will be the stage for the first edition of TEDxMarvila, on March 1st. This will be the first TEDx event held entirely in English in Lisbon, under the theme "The Art of Being Human".
TEDxMarvila arises as a unique opportunity for Lisbon to connect with a global audience, bringing together national and international speakers in a culturally vibrant environment. The Marvila neighbourhood, known for its cultural and economic effervescence, hosts this event that aims to be a meeting point for thinkers, creatives and visionaries.
The initiative, which aims to delve into the nuances of the human condition, addressing topics such as empathy, creativity, innovation and resilience, strives to inspire participants to rethink the way they interact with themselves, others and the world. Success stories, transformative ideas and perspectives that challenge thought will be presented, with speakers ranging from local thinkers to influential voices on the international scene.
There are four central themes within the event programme: “Being Human: What are we?”; “Civilisation: What is the impact of development?”; “Power of Difference: Why do we need each other?”; “Values: How do we stay human?” These themes invite all participants to reflect on the complexity and beauty of the human condition, promoting dialogues that challenge perspectives and encourage significant change.
The event will feature the participation of a vast panel of speakers, including personalities such as Miguel Stanley, founder of the White Clinic and pioneer of the Slow Dentistry concept, recognised by the World Health Organization for his ethical and innovative commitment to dentistry; Gisela João, multi-award-winning fado singer who has revolutionised fado and taken Portuguese music to new territories; Jonny Thomson, author of “Mini Philosophy”, which translates complex philosophical concepts into everyday life; Joana Nobre, CEO of Crème de la Crème, a reference in the world of sustainable beauty; Natalie Turner, innovation specialist and creator of the “Six Is” method, empowers individuals and organisations to transform ideas with real impact; Pedro Santa Clara, professor and founder of the first digital university in Portugal, which is redefining higher education; Oluwole Omofemi, Nigerian artist who painted the last official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II; Inês Feliciano, specialist in cultural heritage, who will explore the resilience and identity of iconic Portuguese tiles; and Simon Court, leadership coach and specialist in building high-performance teams.
In addition to the lectures, the Talk will present the interactive exhibition “The Heart of Being Human”, curated by Carlos Pissarra, Alina de Oliveira and Lia Proti. This artistic exhibition will bring together local and international talent, providing the public with a visual immersion into the essence of humanity.
TEDxMarvila will also mark the premiere of the short film “Being Human”, directed by Vyra Sachse, developed by a multidisciplinary team of artists. Created exclusively for this edition, this audiovisual work promises to be one of the highlights of the event.
Anel Imanbay, founder of TEDxMarvila, highlights the impact this event could have: “Lisbon is a true melting pot of creativity and innovation. We want to remind our audience what it means to be human and provide a platform where inspiring ideas turn into action”.
The first edition of TEDxMarvila has the support of several sponsors, including VIC Properties, whose CEO, João Cabaça, highlights: “The power of ideas can transform realities, and this event is a catalyst for social and economic progress.”
With tickets available at tedxmarvila.com, this will be an exclusive opportunity to experience a transformative event in one of Lisbon’s most emblematic locations. Marked by its industrial heritage, today Marvila is a hub of entrepreneurship and creativity that connects the past and the present.
Recognised for hosting major events, such as the Web Summit and, more recently, the Tribeca Festival, this eastern area of Lisbon was the inevitable choice to host TEDx.
*Originally published in Revista Fora de Série by ECO.
