Acción Cultural Española (AC/E) once again takes part in Mostra Espanha 2026, the annual cultural programme that showcases the dynamism and creativity of Spain's cultural industries in Portugal, fostering dialogue between the two countries and encouraging the development of shared projects. Organised primarily by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy in Lisbon and AC/E, the 2026 edition — the ninth — is structured around the theme "Spain in Motion: Diversity and Sustainable Futures" and will take place between September and November across several locations in Portugal.
Within this programme, AC/E is responsible for organising the "Guest Works" exhibition activity, a format designed to offer Portuguese audiences the opportunity to discover significant works from Spain's artistic heritage. AC/E handles the technical coordination, packing, transport and nail-to-nail insurance of the works, while loan management remains the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture.
The 2026 edition marks an important departure from previous years: for the first time, three works will travel to Lisbon simultaneously, on display across two venues throughout the three months of the Mostra.
Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea – Museu do Chiado, Lisbon
Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida
Valencian Fisherwomen (1915)
Oil on canvas · 133 × 201 cm
Museo Sorolla, Madrid
Centro Cultural de Belém, Lisbon
Maruja Mallo
Rubbish (1930) · Series Sewers and Bell Towers
Oil on cardboard · 43 × 55 cm
Fundación María José Jové, A Coruña
Maruja Mallo
Living Nature (Life in Full) (1943) · Series Living Natures
Oil on board · 42 × 33.5 cm
Fundación María José Jové, A Coruña
The three works engage with the thematic threads running through this edition — culture, identity and diversity; culture, oceans and sustainability; and culture, borders and rurality — celebrating the social and symbolic role of women, the memory of nature and territory, and the deep ties between maritime tradition and Portuguese culture.
Mostra Espanha is supported by the Portuguese Government through its Ministry of Culture, various Municipal Councils, the Instituto Cervantes in Lisbon, and a range of public and private stakeholders in both countries.
