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Companies | 2024
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Trade
Cultural and Creative Industries Cluster
Portuguese culture and creativity are recognised on five continents.
Overview
Books that leave a mark, films that move, music and dance that captivate; painting that challenges the senses and sculpture that resonates. The Cultural and Creative Industries are fundamental pillars of modern society, and Portugal is no exception.
With nearly 900 years of history, Portugal stands out internationally for its culture, creativity, and global recognition.
A welcoming country shaped by the diversity and richness of its cultural and natural heritage, Portugal distinguishes itself through the contemporary nature of its artistic production—whether through the originality of its traditional materials or a thriving environment that fosters innovation and creativity. It has a unique ability to inspire the creation of works of significant value, both through the creative richness of its cultural products and services and its presence at internationally prestigious events.
The Portuguese create remarkable works. Works that challenge the status quo. Works that shift perspectives. Across the Visual and Performing Arts, Literature, Film and Audiovisual—spanning artists from diverse fields, writers and thinkers, musicians, and athletes—Portugal has produced leading figures recognised with awards such as the Nobel Prize and the Grammy Awards.
A stage for major international film productions, Portugal is also home to stories and documentaries that travel beyond borders, featured on streaming platforms such as Netflix and HBO Max, and that have received Academy Award nominations and other prestigious distinctions.
The Portuguese language is a central element of this cultural heritage, spoken by 260 million people worldwide across 10 territories. Creativity and talent know no bounds, continuing to inspire and surprise millions around the globe.
The sector in figures
Main export markets (2025)
Spain, USA, UAE, Angola, Germany, United Kingdom, France.
Source: INE
The Cultural and Creative Industries cluster encompasses the sectors of Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Film, Audiovisual and Multimedia, Publishing and Books, and Cultural Heritage.
The sectors covered in this cluster represent a dynamic, innovative economic potential and a social asset, as they can generate positive change in and for society. At the same time, they contribute not only to individual and collective well-being but also to enhancing resilience in times of crisis.
They further distinguish themselves from other traditional economic sectors by conveying the country’s cultural identity through its tangible and intangible cultural heritage, the economic potential of the Portuguese language across different geographies on all five continents, Portuguese authors recognised with prestigious international awards, literary and music festivals, as well as major international productions and performances.
The sectors covered in this cluster represent a dynamic, innovative economic potential and a social asset, as they can generate positive change in and for society. At the same time, they contribute not only to individual and collective well-being but also to enhancing resilience in times of crisis.
They further distinguish themselves from other traditional economic sectors by conveying the country’s cultural identity through its tangible and intangible cultural heritage, the economic potential of the Portuguese language across different geographies on all five continents, Portuguese authors recognised with prestigious international awards, literary and music festivals, as well as major international productions and performances.
