Fondation Calouste Gulbenkian

Established in 1956 as a Portuguese foundation for the whole of humanity, the Foundation’s original purpose focused on fostering knowledge and raising the quality of life of persons throughout the fields of the arts, charity, science and education. Bequeathed by the last will and testament of Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, the Foundation is of perpetual duration and undertakes its activities structured around its headquarters in Lisbon (Portugal) and its delegations in Paris (France) and London (the United Kingdom).

Ever since first engaging in activities in the 1950s, the Foundation has responded to the most fundamental needs of Portuguese society across its four statutory fields of activity: Art, Charity, Education and Science. In keeping with the progressive development of the country, the Foundation’s role has been redefined: the priorities are no longer only Portuguese or those of Portuguese language countries and now fall within an international framework and interrelated with global questions such as intercultural dialogue, migrations and mobility and the environment. This context reflects the background to the currently established Gulbenkian Programmes as well as the projects and initiatives undertaken by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation whether directly or in partnership with other entities and impacting on the themes prevailing in contemporary society through seeking out innovative responses to the problems the world currently faces.

The Foundation engages in a transversal approach spanning five fields of activity: Arts, Education, Science, Development and Global Initiatives.

Our values

• Nurturing not only the universal values inherent to the human condition, in full respect for diversity and difference,  but also a culture of tolerance as well as preserving the environment and the relationship between man and nature.
• Fostering a spirit of curiosity sensitive to the harmony of nature and the special propensity for the contemplation of beauty that constituted one of the defining features of the founder’s personal character.

Our objectives

The success attained in complying with our objectives stems from all of the organisations and persons that we support. Sharing the strategies underpinning each initiative represents a core objective that we strive to achieve to raise our profile and especially to amplify the global scale impact sought after.