This action is developed by PGLCP from four essential strategic axes: Language and Literature; Performing Arts (Dance, Theatre, and Special Projects) and Cinema; Activities for Internationalization; and Digital Networks for Information Exchange.

The focus of the PGLCP’s intervention is the selective feasibility of specific projects expressing its mission and its generic goal on the field. This may be accomplished through grant-giving; operational partnerships with national and/or foreign institutions; or its own activities, according to the specific nature of each project.

Projects aiming at stimulating artistic, scientific and pedagogical innovation and experimentation are among the initiatives considered by the PGLCP. The same applies to projects seeking the acquisition of skills, original research, and development of new work methodologies, as well as structural qualifications to enhance self-sustaining capacity and diversification of funding resources.

Within its activity, the PGLCP gives priority to internationalization, to the creation of national and foreign partnerships between creators, producers and researchers, to the sharing and networking between organisations or between  paradigmatic projects, in and out of Portugal. It may establish partnership with national or international entities, public or private, directly involved in or which support similar activities and projects in related fields, such as: universities and research centres dealing with Portuguese Language and Culture; foundations, particularly in the framework of the Portuguese Foundation Centre, or any other network in which the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation takes part; cultural centres, museums, institutions devoted to the organisation of performances, literary and audio-visual publishers, and digital data creators.
The PGLCP distributive activity seeks to identify and consolidate projects that are examples of best practices susceptible of being replicated in a systematic way by other similar initiatives. The activities directly promoted by the PGLCP, being either sole initiative of the Foundation or promoted in partnership with other institutions, also aim at having a paradigmatic nature able to contribute to the benchmarking in the respective field of intervention.

Preservation of Historical Heritage

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, through the PGLCP, may provide expertise in the fields of history, museology, engineering, architecture, etc., regarding the preservation of historical heritage of Portuguese origin or influence, in the world.

For the study of the projects, the authorities responsible for the monument should submit a specific request identifying the building along with all available information they may have including photos, engravings and other depictions. They should expressly mention the technical area of the required specialized technical support.

Any construction work derived from the expertise provided must be ensured by local authorities.