Art as a Bridge. Janire Bilbao of MOVART Gallery
What moment or experience ignited your passion for contemporary African art and led to the founding of MOVART?
When I arrived in Luanda, I was deeply inspired by the city’s artistic capital and the strong community of young artists who were critically engaging with social and political realities while celebrating Angola’s cultural richness. However, I also recognized the lack of economic and structural resources preventing these talents from thriving. This realization led me to found MOVART in 2015 as an itinerant exhibition concept, securing spaces and funding to support these artists and energize the cultural scene.
How do you navigate the challenges of being a woman in the art world, and what advice would you give to other women aspiring to carve out their space in this industry?
Navigating the art world as a woman presents unique challenges, particularly in regions where commercial galleries and institutional support are scarce. Despite progress, the industry remains male-dominated, requiring women to be persistent, innovative, and willing to take risks. I’ve learned that resilience is key but so is building strong networks of support among women. We need to champion each other, collaborate, and create opportunities rather than waiting for them. Whether through mentorship, collectives, or advocacy, fostering a culture of women supporting women is essential for meaningful change.
Where do you find inspiration when curating new exhibitions or projects, and how do you ensure they resonate with both artists and audiences?
Inspiration comes first and foremost from the artists—their narratives, perspectives, and creative engagement with socio-political themes. At MOVART, we balance artistic experimentation with a strategic curatorial approach, ensuring that our exhibitions not only provide a platform for expression but also resonate within the commercial art world. By fostering exhibitions, artist residencies, and institutional collaborations, we create meaningful dialogues that engage diverse communities while maintaining a strong connection to collectors, patrons, and the international art market. This dual focus allows us to support artists sustainably while cultivating a dynamic and relevant exhibition program.
What role do you believe art plays in society, especially in challenging times, and how does MOVART contribute to this vision?
To me, art serves as a means of critical discourse, resistance, and celebration. It bridges histories, cultures, and geographies, offering a space for reflection and transformation. MOVART has always contributed to this vision by championing artists who explore these themes and by facilitating exhibitions, interventions, and international collaborations that amplify their voices.
How has your experience as a woman influenced the way you support and represent female artists through your work?
Being a woman in the art industry has made me acutely aware of the barriers female artists face—from underrepresentation in galleries to a lack of institutional support. This awareness is not just theoretical; it comes from lived experience, from navigating a system that often overlooks women’s contributions. Through MOVART, I am committed to actively challenging these structures by creating equitable opportunities, amplifying female voices, and ensuring that their work is not only seen but valued. My goal is to foster a space where women artists can thrive, influence contemporary discourse, and shape the future of art on their own terms.
Can you share an instance where art facilitated a deeper connection or understanding between diverse cultures or communities?
MOVART’s expansion from Luanda to Lisbon was more than just a geographical shift—it became a bridge between Africa and Europe, fostering dialogue through art. One powerful example is our work with artists from Portuguese-speaking African countries, whose perspectives challenge dominant narratives and bring historically overlooked stories into the global conversation. By creating spaces for these artists to engage with European audiences, collectors, and institutions, we facilitate meaningful exchanges that go beyond aesthetics, deepening cultural understanding and redefining the contemporary art landscape. Moments like these reaffirm art’s power to connect, challenge, and transform perspectives across borders.
Inspiration comes first and foremost from the artists—their narratives, perspectives, and creative engagement with socio-political themes.
What would be a pivotal moment in your life that helped shape who you are today, both personally and professionally?
One of the most pivotal moments in my life was transitioning MOVART from its early pop-up experiments to establishing a permanent gallery in Luanda in 2017. This shift wasn’t just about securing a physical space—it was about committing to long-term artist representation, fostering a sustainable platform for African artists, and engaging with the international art world on a deeper level. It was a leap of faith that demanded resilience, vision, and an ability to navigate uncertainty. On a personal level, becoming a mother added another layer to this journey. It reshaped my understanding of time, responsibility, and legacy, reinforcing my belief in creating spaces where new voices—whether in art or life—can flourish. Balancing these two roles has been challenging, but it has also given me a renewed sense of purpose: to build something meaningful, both for my family and for the artists whose work deserves to be seen and celebrated.
As a woman navigating both the art world and your personal endeavors, how do you define success?
For me, success is deeply intertwined with purpose. It’s about creating spaces where artists can thrive, where meaningful conversations take place, and where narratives that have been historically overlooked are given the recognition they deserve. Success isn’t just about visibility—it’s about impact, about knowing that the work I do helps shape careers, fosters dialogue, and challenges perspectives. Beyond my work, success has taken on a new dimension since becoming a mother to two small children. It’s about finding balance—building something lasting. I’ve learned that true fulfillment isn’t only measured in professional achievements but also in the quiet, joyful moments: watching my children grow, sharing laughter with loved ones, and carving out time to simply be present. If I can create opportunities that open doors for others while also nurturing a life filled with meaning and connection, then I consider that a success.
How do you find strength and motivation in challenging times, and what advice would you give to others facing their own hurdles?
Strength, for me, comes from the artists I work with—their resilience, creativity, and unwavering belief in their vision. In challenging times, I remind myself why I started: to create opportunities, to amplify voices that deserve to be heard, and to foster a space where art can spark dialogue and transformation. Seeing an artist’s work resonate, witnessing their growth, or knowing that MOVART has played a role in shaping their journey gives me the motivation to keep going, even when the path isn’t easy. My advice to anyone facing challenges is to stay adaptable, trust in the process, and surround yourself with people who uplift you. Purpose is what keeps us moving, but it’s the connections we build—through art, family, and community—that truly sustain us.
Can you talk about a woman who has significantly influenced your life or career, and what lessons did you learn from her?
Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by extraordinary women who have inspired and shaped me in countless ways. During my time at the university, I worked alongside exceptional professors whose dedication to research and teaching left a lasting impact on me. In my first corporate job, I witnessed the remarkable strength of women in leadership—how they balanced ambition, professionalism, and personal lives with grace and resilience. When I moved to Angola, I had the privilege of working with an incredible woman who not only became a mentor but also a dear friend. My Basque teacher, too, evolved from a guide into a cherished companion. And so many others have enriched my life with their wisdom, kindness, and unwavering support. I truly believe in the power of women—their energy, their influence, and their ability to uplift those around them. From my mother and sister to my colleagues and friends, each has contributed to the person I am today. I also believe that women share a profound connection with life itself, a force that is especially evident in motherhood. For me, becoming a mother has been the most magical and transformative experience—an intimate bond with the essence of life, the universe, or whatever one chooses to call it. It is the ultimate expression of creation, love, and strength.
How do you nurture your creativity and passion, ensuring they remain vibrant in all areas of your life?
Creativity and passion are part of who I am—they come from my experiences, the people I meet, and the stories I connect with. Having lived in different countries, I’ve learned to embrace change, stay curious, and find inspiration everywhere. My family keeps me grounded, reminding me to balance hard work with joy. I believe in strong connections, in supporting others, and in sharing energy through collaboration. And I always smile—because passion grows when shared, and creativity thrives in a positive, open heart.
How do you hope to inspire other women through your work and life, and what message would you like to share with the women in our community?
I hope to inspire other women by showing that passion, resilience, and belief in oneself can break barriers—no matter where you come from or the challenges you face. My journey has been shaped by risk-taking, hard work, and the incredible power of collaboration. To the women in our community, I say: trust your instincts, embrace your unique path, and lift each other up. The art world, like life, is richer when we create space for one another and lead with confidence and purpose.
Success isn’t just about visibility—it’s about impact, about knowing that the work I do helps shape careers, fosters dialogue, and challenges perspectives.
Lastly, as we look toward the future, what dreams or aspirations are you most excited to pursue, and how do you envision them shaping the next chapter of your story?
The next chapter of MOVART is incredibly personal and deeply exciting. In April we are moving into a stunning new space in Estrela, Lisbon—three floors plus a rooftop, spanning 700 sqm in one of the city’s most vibrant cultural areas. This expansion is more than just a physical move; it’s the realization of a vision to create a dynamic, immersive space where artists can experiment, connect, and share their voices with the world. It’s a place for bold ideas, powerful stories, and meaningful encounters—a true home for creativity, dialogue, and the ever-evolving art