A dinner with purpose.
Thanks to the generosity of our partners, all proceeds support Sovereign Art Foundation’s expressive arts programmes for children in Portugal, helping children build confidence, express their emotions and connect through creativity.
GENEROUSLY HOSTED BY
Wine generously provided by
PHOTOGRAPHY by
ART BRINGS US TOGETHER
Presented by Sovereign Art Foundation, First Editions à mesa brings artists and guests together for evenings where contemporary art opens the conversation and shared dining creates space for connection.
For Surface Tension, a curated selection of works from the 2026 Sovereign Portuguese Art Prize invites us to look beyond appearances. Familiar objects take unexpected forms, photographs shift with our viewpoint, and language becomes light and sound. Against a backdrop of Lisbon’s evening skyline, discover the stories beneath the surface and share your own perspective.
The Table
A play of contrasts by Maria Bizri of Pomegranate Kitchen. Cool meets warm, delicate meets bold, and familiar flavours reveal something unexpected.
The Setting
Dark surfaces, shifting reflections and glimmers of silver. Lisbon lights up beyond the glass, while unexpected perspectives unfold within.
Dress the part
Black and silver. Think sleek tailoring, fluid satin, sculptural silhouettes and silver jewellery. Wear all black with a metallic detail, or make silver the statement.
Maria Bizri · Pomegranate Kitchen
For Surface Tension, Maria brings her thoughtful, generous approach to a menu shaped by contrast. Freshness meets depth, delicate textures meet bold flavours, and familiar ingredients reveal something unexpected. Food becomes another way into the evening’s conversation.
SURFACE TENSION brings together a selection of works by finalists of the 2026 Sovereign Portuguese Art Prize. Through transformed objects, shifting images and unexpected materials, these works explore how appearances can conceal histories and change with our perspective. Together, they invite us to look again and open new conversations over dinner.
Samarra
HIATUSES
Untitled (veiled Pope)
Palo de Campeche #2
Your evening above Lisbon
Friday 20 November 2026
19:00 · Arrival
20:00 · Seated dinner
Central Lisbon · Full address shared with guests before the event.
All proceeds from this dinner support Sovereign Art Foundation’s expressive arts programmes for children in Portugal, creating space for creativity, connection and emotional wellbeing. The featured artworks are also available to purchase, with sales supporting both the artists and these programmes. By joining us around the table or collecting a work, you help make this work possible.
A few practical details
What does my ticket include?
Tickets are €120 per person.
When will the menu be available?
We’re finalising the menu and will share it ahead of the evening.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Please email Tanya@sovereignartfoundation.com with any allergies or dietary requirements, including those of your guests, so we can confirm arrangements with the chef.
What should I wear?
Our dress code takes inspiration from Surface TENSION: eveningwear in black and silver. Think sleek tailoring, fluid satin, sculptural shapes and metallic accessories. Wear all black with a touch of silver, or make silver the statement.
Can I book for more than one person?
Yes. Select your preferred number of tickets before adding them to your basket.
How does the evening support SAF?
All proceeds from this dinner support SAF’s expressive arts programmes for children in Portugal. Featured artworks are also available to purchase, with sales supporting both the artists and these programmes.
