Mafalda Seoane is a PhD candidate in Fine Arts, Art Sciences, and Heritage at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Lisbon. She holds a Master’s degree in Artistic Education from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Lisbon, a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Universidade Moderna de Lisboa, and a postgraduate diploma in Artistic Practices and Social Inclusion from the Faculty of Human Sciences at the Portuguese Catholic University of Lisbon. Since 2000, she has worked at Lisbon City Council, initially on adult education projects, including the creation of the Competence Recognition and Certification Center. She currently works in the Memory and Intangible Heritage Unit, contributing to programs such as Memórias de Lisboa and DESCOLA, including the “Youth Consultation on Education and Cultural Citizenship” under the National Arts Plan.

This presentation explores the DESCOLA program, a Lisbon City Council initiative that promotes cultural education through collaboration between schools and cultural institutions. Rooted in inclusivity and creativity, it seeks to transform museums and cultural spaces into safe, engaging environments for learning and self discovery. Through youth consultations with Generation Z, the project highlights how cultural participation fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and empowerment, inspiring young people to become protagonists of their own stories.