Jill Biden at Universidade Católica: "Art is about connection, it is the evidence and expression of our humanity"

Art and Diplomacy. These were the central words of Jill Biden's speech at Universidade Católica Portuguesa, where she underlined that "art is about connection" and that "in a world that asks us to sprint from moment to moment, art stops us in our tracks. It feeds our spirits when we’re hungry for something more, it shows the contours of our sorrows and joys so that we know that we’re not alone."

In Portugal, to participate in the 60th anniversary of the "Art In Embassies" programme promoted by the Embassy of the United States of America (USA) in Lisbon, the first lady recalled that "Art is the evidence and expression of our humanity, even when it is easy to get caught up in differences art can unite us."

Before an auditorium filled with artists, curators, professors, students, diplomats, and many other guests, the Rector of Universidade Católica Portuguesa hosting Jill Biden's visit, Isabel Capeloa Gil, qualified the presence of the First Lady at Universidade Católica as "symptomatic. It encompasses a whole program that speaks firstly to the role of universities as purveyors of democratic values and of the role of education as the pathway to a better and inclusive future; secondly to the role of art in fostering global dialogue and the importance of cultural diplomacy and thirdly of the value of transatlantic dialogue between the US and Portugal to advance democracy, dignity and inclusiveness"

Stressing that "art is at the heart of the university’s mission of bringing wisdom to the world", the Rector recalled that this mission is materialised "not simply through the training of artists, curators, critics and historians, but also by promoting an understanding of artistic languages across all programs, from the sciences to business, from the humanities to biotech and medicine."

For Isabel Capeloa Gil, “the language of art bridges the gaps of signification in ordinary discourse. It makes visible what mainstream debates obscure, repress or condemn. It opens up a space of dialogue where it seems to have become impossible”.

In turn, the Ambassador of the United States of America in Portugal, Randi Levine, thanked the Rector for "the gracious hospitality", praising "leadership and the University’s work that sets the gold standard here in Portugal". For this reason, she added, "I couldn’t think of any place better than Católica to display this connection".

The speeches were followed by a round table discussion moderated by Ellen Susman, with the participation of Mónica Dias, Vice-Director of the Institute for Political Studies, and artists who authored the works of the exhibition "Democracy Collection: Advocacy Through Art", on view at the Fundação Amélia de Mello Gallery, from July 6 to 11.

Participants reflected on the impact their work has had in promoting dialogue and addressing social issues, recognising the power of art to shape narratives and trigger change.