Black and white image of a woman with long hair holding a microphone, outdoors, with blurred trees in the background.

a note from iva, founder of inner spaces

After moving to Lisbon in May 2022, over the course of the following year and a half, inner spaces lived as a dream in my heart, a vision waiting for its moment to bloom. Like many meaningful things in life, it needed time to find its place, to find its perfect season.

When all the pieces finally aligned, I knew: this is it.

But what are inner spaces? Why I decided to start these gatherings?

This concept is a constellation of meanings. At its core, inner spaces represents the sacred territory within each of us where creativity and inspiration reside. It's where we nurture our artistic expression, build genuine connections, and view life through the lens of wonder, curiosity, and openness.

My mission was to create a safe space where conscious and unconscious experiences merge. Some stories remain our private treasures, while others yearn to be shared. Whatever role you decide to have, the silent observer, the vulnerable performer, or intrigued spectator, here we all find resonance through shared human experiences.

As we navigate life's beautiful chaos, its challenges, joys, and heartaches, we discover we're not walking alone. Whether you're riding the wave of something wonderful or weathering life's storms, these gatherings remind us that someone else has felt what you're feeling, someone else understands.

Though the power of expression is a crucial ingredient, the essence of inner spaces remains constant: we're connected through grand human experience of love, hurt, growth, and transformation.

These are mine, yours, ours inner spaces.

Welcome.

— Iva

creativity

connection

poetry

music

storytelling

creativity connection poetry music storytelling

storytelling

music

creativity

poetry

connection

storytelling music creativity poetry connection

poetry

music

storytelling

connection

creativity

poetry music storytelling connection creativity

the concept

Outdoor event with a speaker addressing an audience seated under trees.

interactive experience

Unlike spoken word or open mic performances, our gatherings encourage dialogue between artists and audience. Questions are welcomed, conversations flow naturally, and the boundaries between performers and spectators often dissolves into meaningful exchange. This creates a space where everyone's voice can be heard and every story matters.

curated spaces

Each month, we select a different hidden corner of Lisbon to host our gatherings. From secret gardens to historic rooms, cozy cafés to artist studios—every space adds its own unique energy and character to the evening. By moving through the city, we discover and share its most inspiring locations while creating different atmospheres for our experiences.

authentic connection

What emerges is more than an event—it's a testament to shared human experience. Through poetry, music, and conversation, we create an environment where inner worlds connect and resonate with each other. Whether you're an artist sharing your work or an audience member taking it all in, you're an essential part of the evening's unique energy.

five selected artists

Five artists take the stage during each gathering, sharing not just their creative work, but also their personal journey. Whether through poetry or music, they open up about their inspirations, challenges, and the life experiences that shape their art. These aren't traditional performances—they're intimate glimpses into creative minds and hearts.