São Gonçalves – Literature
Maria da Conceição Loureiro Gonçalves (São Gonçalves) joins the team of ESCALA 4ART Ambassadors, taking responsibility for the Literature area alongside our Visual Arts Ambassador, Soraya Matias.
Holding a degree in Portuguese Studies (Humanities) and a Master's degree in Intercultural Relations, São Gonçalves has built a remarkable career dedicated to promoting the Portuguese language, literature and culture, both in Portugal and across the diaspora.
Author of six poetry books, including solo publications and collaborative projects with Portuguese painter Edite Melo, she has also contributed to several national and international literary anthologies. Her work extends to coordinating poetry and prose anthologies featuring Portuguese diaspora authors, helping to give visibility and recognition to Portuguese writers living abroad.
Deeply involved in the cultural life of the Portuguese community in Luxembourg, she has organised literary events, presented Portuguese authors and collaborated with initiatives linked to the Camões Institute and Portuguese libraries abroad. Among her most notable projects is the coordination of the book "60 Years of Portuguese Presence in Luxembourg", preserving and celebrating the collective memory of our community.
Through her writing, academic work and cultural commitment, São Gonçalves builds bridges between literature, identity, memory and migration, encouraging reflection on the richness of Lusophone communities.
At ESCALA Business Club, she will lead the literary dimension of ESCALA 4ART, creating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and the promotion of talent connected to writing, reading, poetry and literary creation.
Soraya Matias – Visual Arts
Soraya Matias takes on the role of ESCALA 4ART Ambassador, with a special focus on Visual Arts.
Born in South Africa and raised in Portugal, Soraya moved to Luxembourg in 2024 and works as an Art Conservation and Restoration Technician. Her professional journey reflects a deep passion for artistic heritage and the preservation of history through art.
Although she discovered this vocation later in life, she embraced it with dedication and enthusiasm. During her training, she actively participated in a variety of conservation and restoration projects, helping to preserve and restore artworks affected by time and use.
What inspires her most is the opportunity to preserve the memory, culture and identity carried by every work of art. Her close connection with artistic heritage allows her not only to understand artistic movements and expressions throughout history, but also to highlight their relevance in contemporary society.
At ESCALA Business Club, Soraya will play a key role in developing ESCALA 4ART by encouraging knowledge sharing, promoting artistic talent within the community and creating opportunities for collaboration between professionals, creatives and art enthusiasts.
We are delighted to welcome both ambassadors and look forward to the energy, artistic sensitivity and commitment they bring to the continued growth of our community.