Ethnographic and gastronomic research project

Unknown Portugal is an interdisciplinary ethnographic and gastronomic expedition documenting the unique cultural landscape of Portugal through the stories of its people, territories, winegrowing and culinary heritage, as well as nature and authentic properties. The project is inspired by the exploratory tradition initiated in the cinematography of Anthony Bourdain and develops it in a European cultural context through visual arts and documentary practices.

About the project

The research team plans to travel between November 2025 and July 2026 across different regions of Portugal, documenting:

• local gastronomy (restaurants, wine quintas, traditional productions)
• signature hotels and boutique properties
• cultural heritage sites
• natural and urban features

The expedition materials will include:

• original photography
• video documentation
• illustrations

All of these elements will form a single anthology of contemporary Portugal.

Outcome

The key result of the project is the publication of a limited illustrated edition. The initial print run will be limited to 1300 copies. The book will feature photographs, illustrations, and short ethnographic and gastronomic stories gathered on site.

The book will be distributed primarily among:

• corporate libraries and offices of major international companies (IT hubs in the U.S., Europe, and Asia)
• specialized libraries and cultural centers
• private collections and foundations

In addition to the printed edition, the project’s materials will be presented as a series of digital exhibitions: a YouTube channel, partner media projects, and online showcases.

Strategic context

The project’s goal is to strengthen the role of Portugal within the current cultural, tourism, and investment context of Europe, taking into account the political and economic realities of the near future. The publication aims to position the country as a unique destination for:

• leisure and tourism
• cultural experiences
• wine and gastronomic discoveries
• investments in unique real estate and boutique hospitality

The project is targeted at a global audience - expats, travelers, investors, and cultural institutions across Asia, the U.S., and Europe.

Institutional ties

Since early 2025, the project has been in the process of applying to grant programs and cultural investment packages. The project’s theme aligns with the activities of international organizations such as:

• EU Creative Europe Programme (EU)
• European Cultural Foundation (Amsterdam)
• Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Lisbon)
• Getty Foundation (USA)
• Rockefeller Foundation (USA)
• National Endowment for the Arts (USA)
• The Getty Foundation (USA)

These institutions are focused on the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of new forms of its representation.

Why it matters

The project simultaneously addresses several objectives:

• It forms a new perspective on Portugal as a cultural and gastronomic destination.
• It creates an artistic product of high collectible value (limited edition, unique illustrations).
• It strengthens the reputation of partners (hotels, wine quintas, restaurants) as participants in an international cultural project.
• It draws attention to Portugal in a global context - from tourism to investment.

Invitation to Collaborate

We invite owners and general managers of boutique hotels, wine quintas, unique properties, and restaurants to become part of this exceptional project. Your participation will allow us to reveal Portugal’s richness in greater depth and present it to the world in a new, inspiring light.

For more information, please contact: hello@alecdumas.world