The MUSA Project – Harassment in the Arts in Portugal launched a national survey this Friday aimed at identifying workplace harassment situations and preparing responses to improve the sector.
Initiated in April this year, this survey represents the project’s first activity. Released now, the results will be available in March 2026. Interested individuals can participate in the survey here. It will remain open until September.
Objective of the Survey
Performer and researcher Raquel André, one of the scientific coordinators of MUSA, emphasized the goal of reaching a diverse group spanning various locations in the country with different employment contracts, including artists, technicians, producers, teachers, and students.
Researcher Dália Costa from the Institute of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Lisbon expects at least 400 to 1,000 responses.
“We want to understand who these individuals are, their age, gender identity, and any vulnerabilities regarding disability,” Costa elaborated.
The study is conducted by a multidisciplinary team of researchers: Ana Bártolo and Isabel Silva (Psychology), Dália Costa (Sociology), and Joana Neto (Labor Law).
Next on the agenda, the project aims to create a Manual of Best Practices, Conversations, and Training Actions, pending funding.
Survey Financed by Government with 45,000 Euros
This national survey receives financial backing from the Directorate-General for the Arts. The funding of 45,000 euros limits the scope to performing arts and interdisciplinary fields, excluding visual arts, cinema, and audiovisuals.
“It’s not comprehensive of the entire Culture sector. The essential part is to begin, which is why we talk about mapping rather than a representative sample. We have to start somewhere,” acknowledged researcher Dália Costa.
Sara Castro, also part of the executive coordination, highlighted the project’s informative aspect, noting the cross-sectoral lack of literacy on the subject of harassment. The project aims to educate on what constitutes harassment and how to report it.
What to Do in Case of Harassment
The project’s website provides guidelines on actions to take if one is a victim or witnesses harassment. Recommendations are available here.
Victims should confide in someone they trust, keep evidence of incidents, and file complaints with authorities or internally within the institution where it occurred. It’s essential to remember that the perpetrator is always at fault, not the victim.
In other cases, supporting the victim and raising awareness about the situation is often the only option. Witnesses can offer to testify if needed.
