In this segment of the program, we will discover Tó Trips and his stories. An authentic, honest artist, deeply familiar with the many transformations within the industry, he captivates us with his visions and multiple projects (e.g., Lulu Blind, Dead Combo, Club Makumba). We will listen attentively, in an organic way, to his wisdom rooted in independent practice and dialogue with constantly evolving social and artistic contexts, capable of generating unique new imaginations. This session will be a verbal road trip through his career and ideas that can guide and inspire the new generation of artists in a time of rapid change.

Ricardo Bramão, director of Talkfest, engages in a conversation with Sérgio Silva, musician and industry professional, on a broad and crucial perspective of building collaborative chains, where diverse formats are key to generating knowledge transfer and multiple synergies. The art of meeting in different ways and the power of thinking together are fundamental practices for continuing to leverage the changes we want to see in the sector. The vision of two people committed to contributing to the good development of the music ecosystem.

In this session, we will have a panel featuring three of the key players behind programs dedicated to internationalization in the music sector. The aim is to enhance clarity around the processes of applying for funding, the logic behind grant allocation, and the ongoing discussion about the challenges and strengths to address in this area, which remains a field of constant demand by artists.

ARDA is a benchmark space for music education in Portugal and for many professional pathways linked to the music industry. In this session, we'll learn more about this training center that fosters talent and how it integrates into the market, alongside its diverse, interconnected activities. The challenges, opportunities, and vision of the sector will be explored from the perspective of a talent hub that transmits knowledge.

Frank Kimenai, a researcher at the University of Rotterdam, is one of the leading voices in a new, important study on the European music ecosystem. This session is dedicated to presenting the study and providing a detailed exploration of some revealing aspects of this new reality, grounded in scientific methods. It’s a session looking toward the future, preparing for the rapidly evolving and changing path ahead. An indispensable tool for gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of music in Europe and its revitalization within society.

Creative freedom is often constrained by market forces and trends. Since its first edition, the Westway LAB has championed creation as a key driver capable of breaking free from the patterns and structures imposed by the industry, allowing for the blending of geographies, influences, and new working methods. Haizea Huegun and Vile Karimi met at the LAB (as artists-in-residence), and the magic of the past week not only resulted in a captivating showcase but also led them to continue their artistic partnership and release their project. In this session, they will explore the importance of creative freedom – of dreaming – a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Summer festivals have become a trademark for many regions seeking visibility, cultural affirmation, and economic wealth. João Carvalho directs two of the most important festivals in Portugal – Paredes de Coura and Primavera Porto – which stand out for their contrasting geographies and the contexts in which they operate. This session will explore the experience of organizing festivals in rural and more remote areas, compared to the more widespread model of centralizing operations in urban or even coastal locations. Which model offers the best vibe? Which one has the most promising future?

International circulation is vital for the longevity of artists' careers and the professionals connected to them. In this international panel, several important questions will be raised, such as: What criteria do programmers use when selecting international talent? What still works, and what has become an obstacle? What is the current impact of artistic residencies on international collaborations? The aim is to seek guiding answers or even speculations that can help shape strategies for internationalization.

Violetta Zironi is an Italian artist with an international career who has previously participated in the Westway LAB editions – both in artistic residencies and showcases. A few years later, she returns to the Westway MEETING to discuss her career management strategy as an independent artist and her innovative ideas for adapting to market changes. An inspiring testament to a new approach for fulfilling the dream of continuing to create independently. This session will be held digitally and live, due to the artist’s inability to attend in person.

Paulo Furtado is a multifaceted and highly successful artist, particularly in how he has managed his career and artistic vitality curve. His creative relationship with cinema began to take shape very early on, a field where he has been repeatedly recognized (Sophia Award) for the soundtracks he produced for various directors (e.g., Rodrigo Areias). It is within this axis of artistic complicity that The Legendary Tigerman comes to speak and showcase his strong and referential visual and sound universe, also addressing the duality an artist faces: the choice between pursuing pure, uncompromising artistic expression and the need for financial survival in the independent circuit.

Talent scouting is at the heart of the music industry's development. Two key figures from major European festivals (SPOT and Reeperbahn) will discuss the future and share their visions on how to discover and promote talent within a festival format. What are the challenges and strategies for renewing originality in music and the associated arts? A conversation with two seasoned professionals who play a crucial role in championing emerging talent.

The music industry is evolving, striving for greater diversity and equal opportunities. Tiffany Fukuma and Naomi Palmer are two leading figures in this field, working toward a healthier and more sustainable ecosystem. This conversation will offer insights, guidance, and advice on the urgent need to transform the music industry into a more polyphonic and inclusive space.

The music industry’s cycle shifts are happening at an increasingly fast pace, forcing agents and managers to continuously adapt. José Costa, besides being a musician (Ecos da Cave), is the mastermind behind Banzé, a company that has represented numerous artists over the decades, organized high-profile events (e.g., Sons de Vez), and built an international career through a wide range of projects. In this session, we will explore his journey through captivating stories, uncovering how he has achieved such longevity in an industry marked by uncertainty and fluctuation. Finally, we’ll take a look at what the future might hold from his perspective.

One of the hottest topics today is the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creative processes. Two experts in the field—filmmaker Edgar Pêra, who has just produced Portugal’s first AI-generated film, and Turo Pekari from Music Finland, who has been exploring AI’s potential in music and technology—will take the stage. This highly futuristic panel will dive into AI’s creative potential and its ethical implications. The question is no longer whether AI will change music and cinema, but rather, how it will reshape these artistic fields.

Close relationships in the context of sustainability and circularity are becoming increasingly important. The connection between Portugal and Spain has seen ups and downs, but the goal now is to foster greater collaborative consistency in strengthening Iberian synergies within the music industry. Key figures from both countries come together to exchange ideas and reinforce objectives aimed at opening new horizons for artistic and business development.

Canal 180 is one of the boldest audiovisual projects in Portuguese television. Its ability to place artistic expression at the forefront of its editorial approach—delivering innovative content and unexpected formats—stands out in a world increasingly standardized and driven by compulsive consumption. João Vasconcelos, the man at the helm, joins us to share insights into this adventure and reveal whether his vision is born from utopia or sheer determination.

In a rapidly changing world, accumulating tasks and skills seems to be an unstoppable reality. Entrepreneurs play a role in connecting various human relations needs and managing sensitivities in advising artists. What is the fundamental role of the entrepreneur in the current situation of the music sector, and how does the speed of events allow decisions to be made together so that artists' unique perspectives are respected?

The fundamental role of integrating the new generation into the decision-making process is currently under discussion. Is this being done satisfactorily, or is there still a tendency towards conservatism within your hierarchy? What are the main challenges faced by those who enter the organisational centres of the music sector at a young age in their search for opportunities? Consider new artistic trends and modes of cultural consumption from the new generation's perspective.

The Venezuelan artist residing in Berlin will share her experiences regarding her adaptation to the European cultural landscape and how this transition is unfolding. What are the most challenging aspects of continuing to develop your cultural framework outside your original context, and what influences have you embraced along the way? What does this destination represent as a new artistic and cultural starting point?

Creative Europe is the EU programme for the cultural and creative sectors, focusing on international collaboration. There are many opportunities for the European music sector within other funding calls of the programme, specifically the so-called “European Cooperation Projects”, “Culture Moves Europe” and “Music Moves Europe”. Equally relevant is the so-called “Creative Innovation Lab”, which seeks projects that combine the audiovisual sector with the music sector, with an innovative and structural technological approach. During this session, participants will get a general overview of these calls and key tips about the application process.

Another green world: a conscious search for listening and care. How can music become a serious channel to activate a global sense of care for planet Earth? It is time to map out important ideas and strategies that go beyond the obvious, that restore hope to the leadership of a new generation. Building an axis and joining forces for a carbon-free world, driven by a truly regenerative soundtrack. Nis Bøgvad, advisor to EARTH/PERCENT, tells us about the project and Carlos Ribeiro, executive director of Laboratório da Paisagem, helps us understand what will happen in Guimarães Green Capital 2026, with, possibly, the help of music among other things.

The final Keynote of the Westway MEETING promises to be an unmissable meeting for music and cinema lovers. A conversation between two internationally recognized directors, with their creative universes, who have always placed music in a particular place in their cinematographic creation. This session is part of the evolution that Westway proposes of the “sound & image” vector and will address the construction of imaginary landscapes and the cine-concert formats that enable the circulation of works in relation to music. This is just the starting point for a conversation that, like his films, will surely surprise you.

The final session of the Westway MEETING kicks off with a friendly breakfast, followed by an info session covering practical matters about the current edition. It wraps up with a roundtable discussion to reflect on the experience of the 12th edition, announcing the new dates as well as the key focus areas that will guide the advisory council’s work in May. An epilogue that sets the stage for a new beginning, building momentum all the way to 2026.