
In Conversation with Philippa Mahnel and Lucca Schopmeyer, the Women Behind Artperitivo
Can you share a little about your backgrounds and what led you to the world of art?
Coming from both creative and business fields, we have always had a profound affinity for art, a passion that has been a part of our lives since childhood. The inception of Artperitivo early last year was driven by our motivation to create a new and innovative way of making art more accessible, thus creating an inclusive atmosphere that transcends the limitations of the traditional art market. Our aim is to provide a space where emerging and renowned artists converge, enabling both first-time buyers and art enthusiasts to easily discover and acquire the perfect piece of art for their individual taste and budget.
How do you each describe your personal relationship with creativity?
Creativity plays an important role in both our lives. We are deeply immersed in the creative sphere and have always cherished utilizing our imaginations to forge unique visions. It serves as the driving force behind the art industry and is an integral part of our daily professional life. Through Artperitivo, we strive to cultivate a novel perspective within the contemporary art scene.

Working in a dynamic field, what drives you both to wake up every morning and push the boundaries of contemporary art?
The art world is vast, presenting both opportunities for innovation and the need for fresh perspectives. In the coming months, we have numerous exhibitions, events, fairs, and collaborations planned for Artperitivo; overall ambitious plans for the near and distant future. We believe that we can make significant strides in making the art industry more accessible and providing artists with a platform to showcase their work and voices. For our customers, we aim to be the platform that effortlessly delivers a perfect curation of diverse artworks, making it simple and accessible to select your ideal art piece from anywhere, at any time. It is a great privilege to engage daily in work we are passionate about, and each success fuels our motivation and inspiration to pursue our goals relentlessly.
As women in the art industry, what unique perspectives do you believe you bring to Artperitivo and the broader art world?
Our experiences as women fundamentally shape our approach, providing us with unique insights and a deep appreciation for diversity and inclusivity in the art world. We strive to also highlight underrepresented voices and bring forth works that challenge conventional narratives, fostering a richer, more varied artistic dialogue. Our leadership at Artperitivo not only shapes the curation of our collections but also sets a precedent for empowering other women in the arts, encouraging them to assert their presence and perspectives in this dynamic field.
We are committed to ensuring that the voices of promising female artists are heard and their talent is shared.
In what ways do you support and empower other women through your platform?
As two female founders, empowering women in the art industry is essential to us. Our exhibition ‘Infinite Horizons’, which took place in February, exclusively featured female artists, giving them visibility and celebrating their work. At Artperitivo, we’re committed to achieving an equal gender ratio, actively seeking out and offering equal opportunities for female artists. The art industry was very male-dominated for a long time, but there are so many talented and promising female artists too and we are committed to ensuring that their voices are heard and their talent is shared.
How do you curate your lives to maintain inspiration, creativity, and energy in both personal and professional spheres?
To keep our inspiration, creativity, and energy flowing, we love exploring Lisbon’s vibrant art scene, visiting galleries, artist studios and artist residencies. Strolling through Lisbon’s diverse neighbourhoods, there is always so much to discover; admiring the city’s stunning architecture provides us with endless visual inspiration. We also cherish connecting with fellow creatives around town, enjoying the lively exchange of ideas that Lisbon’s unique mix of tradition and innovation sparks. These activities not only fuel our work at Artperitivo but also deepen our personal love for Lisbon’s dynamic cultural tapestry.

What does success look like to you both, and has this vision evolved since you started Artperitivo?
Initially, our measure of success was primarily focused on establishing a unique platform and gaining recognition in the art community and creating substantial, lasting impacts on the art market by promoting inclusivity and accessibility. Today, success for us means not only achieving these goals but also seeing a community of artists and art lovers who engage deeply with our platform, continually returning to discover new and diverse artworks. This evolution reflects our growing commitment to enriching the art landscape and empowering artists and buyers alike.
Strolling through Lisbon’s diverse neighbourhoods, there is always so much to discover; admiring the city’s stunning architecture provides us with endless visual inspiration.
Looking forward, how do you hope to influence the art world in the coming years?
Looking forward, we hope to influence the art world by continuing to champion the ethos of accessibility and inclusivity that Artperitivo embodies. Our goal is to reshape how art is experienced and purchased. This means not only curating a diverse range of artworks from both emerging and established artists but also leveraging technology to break down geographical and economic barriers that have traditionally kept people away from art collection. We plan to innovate in the ways art is presented online, creating immersive and interactive digital experiences that captivate and educate audiences. By doing so, we aim to foster a deeper connection between artists and art enthusiasts. Ultimately, we hope to create a vibrant, supportive community around art that thrives on a shared belief in the value of creative expression.
Founded by Philippa Mahnel and Lucca Schopmeyer, Artperitivo is a next-generation online art gallery for modern and contemporary art. Artperitivo strives to make curated art accessible, empowering artists by providing a space for their voices to be heard. Our vision is to democratize art by fostering an inclusive environment free from the constraints of the traditional art market, where emerging and renowned artists converge, enabling both first-time buyers and art enthusiasts to easily discover and acquire the perfect piece of art for their individual taste and budget.