Independent expert

Cristina Farinha is freelance policy expert and researcher specialised in heritage, culture and the creative industries sector. She has worked extensively from local and regional to European level in the conception, implementation, reporting and evaluation of diverse policies, programmes and organisations. Farinha has also been lecturing and participating as speaker and moderator in various universities, public discussions, academic conferences and workshops across Europe, USA, North Africa and Middle East. She is interested in the strengthening of the role of culture and creativity in governance and development; the promotion of international cooperation and mobility; and the building of capacity, advocacy and entrepreneurship within the sector operators, artists and professionals.

The Portuguese profiles was first prepared by Maria de Lourdes Lima dos Santos. Until 2012, the profile was updated by Rui Telmo Gomes, Teresa Duarte Martinho and Vanda Lourenço.