Support Gerador in building a more creative, critical and participatory society. Find out how here.
At the heart of LEAP are four fundamental thematic pillars that will guide the project’s activities and events throughout its 14-month duration.
The historical and cultural contributions of people of African descent in Europe must be acknowledged. From art and culture to politics and social movements, the African presence in Europe has profoundly shaped the continent. Yet this legacy is often overlooked.
In Portugal, Lusotropicalism, a theory by Brazilian sociologist Gilberto Freyre that was later adopted by the Estado Novo regime, reinforced the myth of an exceptionally soft Portuguese colonialism. It framed colonial rule as inclusive and harmonious due to cultural mixing and miscegenation, masking the realities of exploitation and racial hierarchy. This narrative has fueled historical denial, delaying the recognition of structural racism. LEAP seeks to help dismantle this myth and expose similar distortions in other national contexts.
Colonial violence and systemic racism remain largely denied in post-colonial Europe. In Portugal, the glorified colonial narrative persists in schools and the media, obscuring stories of forced labour and racial hierarchies. Across Europe, reframing these narratives is essential to acknowledge past injustices and their ongoing impact. LEAP aims to promote this change through dialogue, education and artistic expression.
Women have long faced oppression in the context of slavery, colonial rule, and patriarchy, with their resistance and contributions often erased. Today, women — especially racialised women — continue to experience intersectional discrimination, deepening social and economic inequality. LEAP advocates for gender equality as a cornerstone of justice, human rights, and citizenship.
Between September and October 2025, the LEAP project promoted a series of co-creation meetings who, through shared reflection, sought to amplify voices and challenge the public or private spaces in which we move.
We started on the days September 25th and 26th with two in-person events and we continued online, on October 7th, in a session open to everyoneThe in-person activities took place in Brussels, Belgium. Following these sessions, a list of useful resources on the topics discussed was created, which you can consult. here.
These events had the support and participation of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Regional Office for Europe (OHCHR ROE), Diaspora Vote EU, Mémoire Coloniale et Lutte contre les Discriminations (CMCLD), the House of European History (HEH), Forum des Jeunes (Belgium) and the project partners LEAP Les Anneaux de la Mémoire and le Groupe de recherche Achac.
Over the course of 14 months, the LEAP project will run a series of workshops, training sessions, exhibitions, film screenings, debates, and more. The activities will take place in person, in several cities, or online. Find out more below.
November 14, 10:00 AM (local time)
Espace Cosmopolis, Nantes, France,
History in Images - New narratives about colonial history
Organization: Les Anneaux de La Memoire
Deconstructing the colonial representations and narratives that continue to shape our society paves the way for a more just and egalitarian reality for all.
Six researchers, experts, and activists take the floor to decipher an image of their choice. No long speeches: just 7 minutes and 1 image. Each image reveals erased stories, unheard voices, unknown faces, and forgotten destinies from the colonial and slave eras.
Participants: Nadine Hounkpatin, Caroline Le Mao, Bernard Michon, Albert Morisseau-Leroy, Nadine Priam-Plesnage and Eric Schnakenbourg
This event is related to the theme: Transatlantic trade of enslaved people, colonial slavery and its contemporary consequences
November 22, 11:00 AM (local time)
Church of São João de Alporão, Santarém, Portugal
"Decolonizing our discourse in culture" - Training for young creators
Organization: Gerador
A workshop to rethink language as a normative and ideological territory, with researcher Sheila Khan. This training takes place in the context of the National Exhibition of Young Creators, a program of the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ), organized by Gerador, that fosters young creativity.
This event is related to the themes: Afro-descendants and European diversity and Lusotropicalism and denial theories.
18:00 (local time)
Espace Cosmopolis, Nantes, France
Screening of the documentary "Aux origines, l'esclavage"
Organization: Les Anneaux de la Mémoire
The film confronts the often-silenced history of slavery in France between the 17th and 19th centuries. Through the personal stories of six public figures, it reveals how this legacy still shapes lives and memories today.
The screening will be followed by a discussion with Emmanuel Gordien and a speaker to be confirmed.
This event is related to the theme: Afro-descendants and European diversity
France, in a space and date to be announced
Exhibition #1 “Deconstructing Our Narratives” – Afro-descendant and European Diversity
Organization: ACHAC and Les Anneaux de la Mémoire
Exhibition, podcasts and roundtables highlighting the contribution of Afro-descendant communities to European history. Includes an educational kit to engage a wider audience. More information coming soon.
This event is related to the theme: Afro-descendants and European diversity
Portugal, in a space and date to be announced
Exhibition #2 “Deconstructing Our Narratives” – Lusotropicalism and Theories of Denial
Organization: Gerador
Complementing the previous exhibition, this approach focuses on Lusotropicalism and its effects. It includes contributions from artists and researchers, accompanied by an informative podcast. More information coming soon.
This event is related to the theme: Lusotropicalism and theories of denial
Hungary, in a space and date to be announced
Exhibition #3 “Deconstructing Our Narratives” – Transatlantic Slavery Trade and Colonial Slavery
Organization: Gerador
Focusing on the history of colonial slavery and associated narratives, this exhibition is accompanied by educational resources and podcasts. A panel discussion discusses the contemporary legacies of the transatlantic trade of enslaved people. More information coming soon.
This event is related to the theme: Transatlantic Slave Trade and Colonial Slavery
Spain, in a space and date to be announced
Exhibition #4 “Deconstructing Our Narratives” – Women’s Rights and Male Domination
Organization: BJCEM
Exhibition on gender discrimination and the link between colonial and patriarchal domination. Complemented by podcasts, a workshop and a round table with experts and activists. More information coming soon.
This event is related to the theme: Transatlantic Slave Trade and Colonial Slavery
Organization: Gerador
To conclude the LEAP project, this summit brings together the themes that have been the subject of reflection over the course of the various events. It will feature debates, projections and concrete recommendations addressed to policymakers and European entities.
This event is related to the theme: Afro-descendants and European diversity; Lusotropicalism and denial theories; Transatlantic slave trade, colonial slavery and its contemporary consequences; Subjugation of women and gender bias.
Remember here the initiatives that have already taken place in the context of this project.
Click on the + to see the full program.
Online, via Zoom
How we tell our stories - Beyond denial and embracing shades for a Decolonised European Memory
Sign up hereBuilding on the results and recommendations of the in-person event "For an Inclusive Belgium and a Decolonized European Memory," this series of online sessions invites educators, creators, thinkers, and changemakers to explore in depth educational strategies and practical solutions for building more plural, critical, and inclusive discourses.
The times shown below follow the CEST (Central European Summer Time) time zone.
12:00 Introductory Notes with Deborah Hickling-Gordon, UNESCO expert on Cultural Diversity and Cultural Expressions and strategy consultant on Culture and Communication for Development
12:30 Beyond denial theories: Survival and historical reparation, with Sheila Khan, Assistant Professor at Lusófona University and researcher at CICANT and the CONCILIARE | Confidently Changing Colonial Heritage project
14h15 Challenging expectations: from physical spaces to digital realities, with Yolima Gorni, youth advocate and policy representative of #DiasporaVote! EU, an organization that aims to provide greater representation and inclusion to racialized communities living in Europe
16h00 Deconstructing the vocabulary of resistance – art and storytelling for an inclusive and just future, with Mila Paspalanova, Anti-Racial Discrimination Adviser to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (Regional Office for Europe)
17:45 Closing session with Nyanchama Okemwa, president of the anti-racist foundation ENAR and consultant at the Belgium-based non-profit organization Hand in Hand against Racism.
Click on the + to see the full program.
UN House, Floor 7, Brussels, Belgium
Co-creation event: For an Inclusive Belgium and a Decolonised European Memory
registrations closedFrom culture to art, from politics to social movements, the historical and cultural presence of people of African descent in Europe has profoundly shaped the continent. Yet this legacy is often overlooked. This co-creation event invites participants to reflect on practical tools for a more inclusive future. All times follow the CEST (Central European Summer Time) time zone.
9h Welcome and introductory notes
9h40 Presentation by Christina Meinecke-Chalev, Regional Representative (OHCHR ROE)
9h50 “Implications of research on anti-racism and inclusion in Belgium,” with Agnès Mfoumou, Belgian Youth Council
The law student and activist presents findings from recent Youth Council studies on anti-racism and inclusion, highlighting the role of young voices in building a more equitable society.
10h “Defying Expectations: Public and Private Spaces and the Many Faces of Europe”, with Linda Ezenwata, Diaspora Vote EU
10h15 Questions Prompts with Stefanie T Gilbert-Roberts, Co-creation Events Coordinator and Project Manager, Gerador
10h30 Decolonial tour of the Matonge neighborhood, in Brussels, with Sanchou Kiansumba, Mémoire Coloniale et Lutte contre les Discriminations (CMCLD)
This tour highlights the visible and invisible traces of colonization in and around the Matonge neighborhood of Brussels, exploring the urban landscape and its connection to colonialism and the first waves of Congolese migration to Belgium. Guided tour in English and French.
13h Lunch
13h45 Storytime
14h Interactive co-creation sessions
Reflections on design, representation, and intersectionality to imagine the future of Matonge and analyze how inclusive approaches can challenge stereotypes based on racial bias.
16h30 Closing session and preparation of preliminary policy recommendations
Gorizia, Italy
Artistic Residencies and Exchanges
Organization: BJCEM
As part of the European Capital of Culture 2025 in Gorizia (Italy), this event included an artistic residency and an exhibition under the theme “Without Borders”. Artists were invited to explore art as a tool for social and political change.
This event is related to the themes: Afro-descendants and European diversity; Lusotropicalism and denial theories; Transatlantic trade of enslaved people, colonial slavery and its contemporary consequences; Subjugation of women and gender prejudices.
Online, via Zoom
The Art of Liberation
Organization: Gerador
Dread Scott is an American interdisciplinary artist internationally recognized for creating works that question dominant ideas, in particular, the economic, social and governmental foundations on which the United States of America is based.
Throughout his career, he has explored the impact of the historical past on present-day scenarios. In this masterclass, he revisited two of his artistic projects, deconstructing creative processes and offering a behind-the-scenes look.
Slave Rebellion Reenactment was a community performance with 350 participants, centered on freedom and emancipation. It reinterpreted history to challenge the perception of people of African descent, not as “slaves”, but as enslaved people who, at the time, held one of the most radical views of freedom.
Passes analyzes the intersection between France's role in the slave trade and contemporary migration from Africa to Europe.
This event is related to the themes: Afro-descendants and European diversity; Lusotropicalism and denial theories; and Transatlantic slave trade, colonial slavery and its contemporary consequences.
Online, via Zoom
Cognitive Plantation and the Emptying of the Word “Decolonization”
Organization: Gerador
In the last decade, if, on the one hand, we have witnessed the intense proliferation and abuse of the word “decolonization” in European structures of soft powerOn the other hand, we have witnessed the ever-increasing expansion of colonial, ultra-normative, and fascist practices across the continent. As contradictory as these two processes may seem, there may be a connection between the Global North's appropriation of the term and its weakening as a radical tool for social change.
In this masterclass, Jota Mombaça sought to question the limits of the decolonial imagination, as currently advocated by cultural institutions, thus insisting on a non-metaphorical approach to the practice of decolonization. What does it really mean to decolonize? What kinds of practices would effectively sustain an ethical commitment to undoing the world as we know it?
Jota Mombaça is an interdisciplinary artist who, through the sound and visual material of words, frequently works on themes of anti-colonial critique and gender disobedience. Her work has been presented in several institutional contexts, such as the 32nd and 34th São Paulo Biennials (2016 and 2020/2021), the 22nd Sydney Biennial (2020), the 10th Berlin Biennial (2018) and the 46th Salon Nacional de Artistas in Colombia (2019).
This event is related to the themes: Afro-descendant and European diversity and Lusotropicalism and denial theories.
Online, via Zoom
Decolonizing narratives: myths that sustain colonialism today
Organization: Gerador
In this masterclass, Lovelyn Nwadeyi walked us through the key myths that shape our understanding of colonialism today. Although many forms of colonial domination have been officially dismantled, colonialism persists—both in formal structures in some parts of the world and in deeply rooted narratives and practices in contemporary societies. By naming some of these fundamental narratives and identifying how they are perpetuated today, participants will be better prepared to recognize the dangers of these narratives and challenge them in the future.
Lovelyn Nwadeyi is the founder and principal of L&N Advisors, a consulting firm whose sole purpose is to see social justice normalized and embedded in business, academic, and religious spaces.
This event is related to the themes: Afro-descendant and European diversity and Lusotropicalism and denial theories.
Guadalupe
Exhibition “Legacy: (Re)constructing new narratives”
Organization: Les Anneaux de la Mémoire
Exhibition of a selection of works created in the context of the project MANIFEST, which between 2022 and 2024 reflected on new artistic perspectives on the memories of the transatlantic slave trade. The exhibition will be on the island of Guadeloupe, accompanied by a program of parallel activities.
This event is related to the themes: Afro-descendants and European diversity; Lusotropicalism and denial theories; Transatlantic trade of enslaved people, colonial slavery and its contemporary consequences; Subjugation of women and gender prejudices.
Goethe-Institut in Lisbon, Portugal
Decolonizing discourses and practices: training for cultural professionals
Organization: Gerador
For one morning, we will bring together organizations and professionals from the cultural sector for a training session aimed at deconstructing certain narratives that still shape cultural institutions and public discourse. How can we identify the discourses of power that are still taking place? How to decolonize the gaze and practices of cultural work? The goal is to create a space for learning, sharing and discussing that will offer critical and practical tools to anyone working in this sector.
This event is related to the themes: Afro-descendant and European diversity and Lusotropicalism and denial theories.
Programme
10h45
Guest reception
11h00
Welcome and presentation of the LEAP project, by Gerador
11h15
Presentation by Paula Cardoso, founder of Afrolink, the platform that showcases African and Afro-descendant professionals residing in Portugal or with connections to the country
11h30
Presentation by Zia Soares, director and artistic director of Teatro GRIOT, a theater company dedicated to exploring themes relevant to the construction and problematization of contemporary Europe and its reflection in theatrical discourse and aesthetics
11h45
Wake up call: an open conversation, without moderation, with Paula Cardoso, Zia Soares and the participants
12h25
Coffee Break
12h45
Closing session
This event is related to the themes: Afro-descendants and European diversity and Lusotropicalism and denial theories.
Online, via Zoom
Brothers in Arms: Appreciating African and Caribbean contributions in the two world wars
Organization: Les Anneaux de la Mémoire and partners
Despite being documented, the contribution of colonial troops to the liberation of Europe is rarely discussed. African and African-American soldiers were on the front lines of the fighting, their valor considered inferior to that of European soldiers. These soldiers from across Africa, who fought for countries that colonized their lands and enslaved their people, were long forgotten in history books and commemorative speeches.
Today, this memory is emerging in Europe and needs to be promoted and disseminated to raise awareness and commemorate the role of the African people in the two great European wars. How can we overcome this invisibility? What role can Europe play in this process of recognition?
This event is related to the theme: Afro-descendant and European diversity.
Online, via Zoom
Racism and Economy: deconstructing misassigned identities
Organization: Les Anneaux de la Mémoire and partners
The transatlantic trade in enslaved African peoples and the colonial economy brought about the racialization of the status of enslaved people: a correlation emerged between enslaved status and "blackness." This modern construction of "race" gradually established phenomena of identification between racial positioning and economic function. The connection between skin color and economic and social status persists in representations.
This legacy of slavery severely punishes people, whether through their assignment to jobs or through discrimination in hiring. How can we overcome these prejudices? How can history help us understand this construction? How can we break the attributions to which racialized people are subjected?
This event is related to the themes: Transatlantic slave trade and colonial slavery and its contemporary consequences
Online, via Zoom
Denial and Reality: Deconstructing the myth of Lusotropicalism
Organization: Les Anneaux de la Mémoire and partners
The denial of the harms of colonization is particularly present in post-colonial European societies. In Portugal, lusotropicalism, a theory developed by the Brazilian Gilberto Freyre and later adopted by the Estado Novo regime, led the majority of white Portuguese people to believe that racism does not exist in Portuguese society. This theory argued that the Portuguese had a unique ability to adapt to life in the tropics through miscegenation and cultural interpenetration. The glorifying narrative of Portugal’s presence outside Europe remains deeply rooted, especially in school curricula and the media, and has delayed efforts to confront structural racism. Deconstructing this myth is essential to promoting racial equality.
This event is related to the themes: Lusotropicalism and denial theories
Online, via Zoom
Inheritance and Afrofeminism: the fights of racialised women
Organization: Les Anneaux de la Mémoire and partners
Racialized women have always faced double oppression, suffering the consequences of slavery, colonialism, and patriarchal structures, in addition to being exposed to violence. However, they have played a crucial role in the struggle for emancipation and freedom. Today, racialized women continue to be victims of double discrimination, which requires concerted action to build a more inclusive and egalitarian society.
How does the violence suffered by racialized women during slavery and colonialism continue to influence gender and racial dynamics today? What strategies can be implemented to value and strengthen the role of racialized women in building an inclusive and egalitarian society?
This event is related to the themes: Women’s subjugation and gender bias
Within the scope of LEAP, there will be four pop-up exhibitions in unconventional spaces in Europe, between March and April 2026, each focused on a thematic narrative which you can consult below. An international open call was opened that aimed to identify existing creative works that critically approach these narratives, made by emerging or early career creators, including visual and digital artists, audiovisual creators, illustrators, designers, architects, podcasters, vloggers, and multidisciplinary artists. Applicants were eligible if they resided in a European Union country or a country participating in the Creative Europe Programme. Applications closed on September 15th.
July 30, 16pm CET (15pm in mainland Portugal): online information session where questions could be answered. Registration is now closed.
September 15: closing of applications
October – November: evaluation of applications
November: communication of results to selected artists
March – April 2026: The exhibitions will take place during this period; the exact dates will be announced later.
Click on the button below to read in detail the regulations that guide this entire initiative.
– The selected works will be included in one of four LEAP exhibitions, each lasting between one and two weeks
– A value of €1.000 per work selected
– Support for transport up to €400, upon presentation of the necessary documentation
– The artwork being selected does not guarantee the artist’s presence at the exhibition. If conditions allow, partners may opt to invite selected artists to participate in related events or discussions.
– The selected artists will work directly with the partner entity responsible for organizing the exhibition
– The open call was looking for completed or nearly completed works by proposal, selecting only one of the four exhibitions.
– It was possible to submit multiple proposals (for the same or different exhibitions), but only one work per artist will be selected.
– It was necessary to upload documentation in English.
– For the theme “Subjugation of women and gender prejudice (Barcelona, Spain)” only female artists will be selected.
– Consult the regulations for more details.
Legal notice: This initiative is funded by the European Union. The opinions and views expressed are, however, the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. The Child Protection Policy of Gerador can be consulted here.
