On April 27 and 28, Ponta Delgada hosted the third edition of the Culture Forum, an initiative organized by the Government of Portugal in partnership with PDL26 – Portuguese Capital of Culture, bringing together cultural practitioners from different fields for a moment of exchange and dialogue, reinforcing the visibility of the cultural sector in the Azores and its connection to the national context.

Jesse James, Artistic Director of Anda&Fala – Cultural Association, was among the invited participants, taking part in a panel on the second day of the event alongside José Condessa (actor), Maria João Gouveia (dancer and choreographer, Artistic Director of Estúdio 13), and Susana Menezes (Artistic Director of LU.CA – Luís de Camões Theater). Under the theme “Creation and Participation,” and with moderation by Vera Santos (journalist), the discussion addressed cultural rights, education, and the sector's professional framework.

In his contribution, Jesse James highlighted the structural fragility of the region's cultural sector and the absence of a consistent strategy, emphasizing the need to recognize culture as a central driver of economic and social development in the Azores.