Art as a Bridge. Tanya Bennett on the Work of the Sovereign Art Foundation

Tanya, your journey has taken you from fashion illustration to leading the Sovereign Art Foundation’s initiatives in Portugal. What inspired this transition, and how do your creative roots influence your current work?

The Sovereign Art Foundation began in 2003 in Hong Kong, where I lived for 17 years. During that time, I worked as a professional fashion illustrator (www.piratetb.com), collaborating with luxury houses including Gucci, Dior, and Chanel. Alongside my illustration practice, I was involved with the Foundation from the very beginning — Howard, our Chairman, and Tiffany, the Director in Hong Kong, are longtime friends, and I often led creative workshops for them in places like Cambodia, Mongolia and Hong Kong.

I also ran a contemporary art gallery in Hong Kong for several years, which deepened my understanding of the art ecosystem beyond illustration. As my illustration business grew, I began collecting art myself, and many of my most cherished works come from the Sovereign Asian Art Prize.

In 2024, my husband and I decided to move to Portugal, where we already had a wonderful community of friends from Hong Kong. Fellow Sassy Women Society member Elliott Rosich had done an incredible job establishing the Foundation here and when she moved on to new projects at PO:RTA, Howard asked if I would consider stepping into her role. Given my long-standing connection with SAF — as an artist, workshop leader, and collector — the transition felt completely natural.

With over 15 years of international experience, how has living and working in diverse cultural settings shaped your approach to art and community engagement?

I’ve lived in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam and now Portugal. Experiencing life across such different cultural landscapes has shaped not only how I work, but how I listen, engage and collaborate. Each place has its own systems, rhythms and unwritten rules — from bureaucracy to community structures — and navigating them has made me adaptable and open-minded.

It has also given me a deep appreciation for how artistic practice is influenced by context. Artists don’t create in isolation; they respond to their environment, history and social fabric. This awareness has taught me to approach community projects with sensitivity. Whether developing workshops, curating exhibitions or collaborating with local partners, I try to lead with empathy, cultural respect and a sense of shared creativity.

Art doesn‘t exist in isolation — it absorbs the energy, history and pulse of the place it’s created in.

As a woman in the arts, what perspectives shape your leadership at SAF, and how do these show up in the programs you oversee?

SAF has a predominantly female team — both in Portugal and in Hong Kong — and I think that naturally shapes our culture. There is a strong emphasis on empathy, open communication and mutual support. We check in with one another regularly and ensure workloads are shared in a balanced way. It creates a healthy, collaborative environment where everyone feels heard.

Most of the therapists and educators I work with in Portugal are also women, and their sensitivity and emotional intelligence deeply inform our approach to community work. I wouldn’t say my perspective is unique because I’m a woman, but leading with empathy, intuition and emotional awareness absolutely influences the environment we build and the way our programs resonate.

Can you share a personal moment that reinforced your commitment to using art as a tool for social change?

Two moments stand out.

The first is personal. My ten-year-old niece, an incredibly talented young artist, came to visit me in Portugal for her first trip abroad. She was overwhelmed by the new sights, sounds, and language — but the moment we sat down with sketchbooks, she relaxed. Watching her find calm and connection through drawing reminded me how profoundly grounding creativity can be.

The second comes from our work in Estremoz, where we run art therapy sessions and monthly community workshops. One child in the therapy program has made remarkable strides since joining. Seeing his confidence grow through creative expression has been incredibly moving. Meanwhile, the open community workshops have become a monthly ritual for families — a place where children and parents create side by side. Witnessing how these two strands support each other reinforces my belief in art’s capacity to nurture wellbeing and community belonging.

Managing art programs for vulnerable children must present significant challenges. What obstacles have you encountered, and how have you navigated them?

Fundraising is one of our biggest challenges. Portugal’s economic environment can make consistent support difficult, so we’re always developing new ways to sustain our programs. The art prize model is wonderful — collectors can purchase works they love to display in their homes, while simultaneously supporting the artist and the Foundation through a 50/50 split.

Another challenge is that art therapy is still a relatively new field in Portugal, and there are few certified art therapists available. One of my long-term goals is to develop a teacher-training program that equips caregivers, parents, and educators with basic therapeutic tools they can use in their communities. I would also love to fund a certification program to train more professional art therapists. Building this network would help us reach many more children.

What are some misconceptions about integrating art therapy into social programs, and how do you address them?

A common misconception is that art therapy is simply “kids drawing.” In reality, it is a structured therapeutic process led by a certified art therapist in a confidential setting. Sessions are intentionally designed to help children express emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally. The artworks created remain private, because they are part of a safe space for emotional exploration.

Art therapy can build emotional resilience, improve communication, and support healthier coping mechanisms. It is especially powerful for children who have experienced trauma, loss, or instability. We’re not just encouraging creativity — we’re supporting healing and self-understanding through guided expression.

I’ve seen creativity build confidence, resilience and emotional awareness in ways nothing else could.

Can you describe a project that highlighted the transformative power of art within a community?

One of the most impactful recent projects was the Pig Parade in Estremoz this March. It brought together more than 500 people — families, artists and children — for an entire day of communal creativity.

We produced 200 pig sculptures and invited local artists, schools, and children to paint them on site. At the same time, 29 graffiti and contemporary artists from Portugal and Europe transformed the surrounding walls. The atmosphere was electric — laughter, music, paint everywhere — and an incredible sense of pride and togetherness. It was a vivid demonstration of how art can animate a community.

What advice would you offer to women aspiring to lead at the intersection of art and social impact?

Work closely with the community you serve — especially if it’s not your own. Listen deeply. Understand their needs, perspectives, and rhythms. Build projects with people, not for them.

Collaboration and cultural sensitivity determine whether an initiative truly resonates.

How do you foster a supportive environment for women within SAF and the broader arts community?

For me, it begins with communication and care. I check in regularly with our team to ensure no one is overwhelmed and that work is shared fairly. We all have different capacities at different times, and acknowledging that creates a healthier environment.

I’m still relatively new to this leadership role after many years of working independently, so I rely on mentorship and advice from women who have been doing this work longer. Our advisory board and the women in the arts community here in Portugal have been incredibly supportive. That spirit of openness is what I aim to cultivate within SAF.

Are there any personal practices or routines that help you stay grounded and inspired?

Running — a lot. I love starting my mornings outside, moving through nature. It clears my head and helps me reset before the day begins. I think I would go a little bit insane without it.

One of the main reasons my husband and I moved from Ho Chi Minh City to Portugal was to be closer to green spaces. Running through the countryside here is humbling and inspiring — a moment to reflect, breathe and set good intentions.

Looking ahead, what initiatives are you most excited about in the coming year?

I’m excited to launch a series of artist-led community workshops in the Algarve, and hopefully expand further north. There is enormous potential to reach new communities through creative engagement.

At the same time, I’m focused on maintaining the quality of what we already do. Growth for its own sake isn’t the goal — deepening relationships, strengthening programs and delivering meaningful, high-quality experiences is what matters most.