Detail
Mere prior notification of shows of an artistic nature
Before the presentation to the public of a show of artistic nature, its promoter must inform the city council of the place where it takes place. This communication is mandatory and aims to ensure that the necessary conditions and authorisations for the performance are guaranteed.
The presentation of the mere prior communication of artistic performances is mandatory, for example, for the following activities:
- theatre
- music
- dance
- circus
- cinematographic and audiovisual works
- artistic crossroads
- staged readings
- recitations
In some cases, it is not necessary to make this…
Before the presentation to the public of a show of artistic nature, its promoter must inform the city council of the place where it takes place. This communication is mandatory and aims to ensure that the necessary conditions and authorisations for the performance are guaranteed.
The presentation of the mere prior communication of artistic performances is mandatory, for example, for the following activities:
- theatre
- music
- dance
- circus
- cinematographic and audiovisual works
- artistic crossroads
- staged readings
- recitations
In some cases, it is not necessary to make this communication
It is not necessary to make the mere prior communication of:
- events of a family nature, not for profit, for the recreation of family members and guests, held in the family home or in an enclosure authorised for that purpose;
- public exhibitions of cinematographic works that already have a distribution authorisation or licence issued by the General Inspection of Economic Activities (IGAC), and which are exhibited by the holders of the distribution authorisation or licence.
What is a "show of an artistic nature"?
According to the law, they are the artistic manifestations and activities:
- in connection with the creation, performance, exhibition and interpretation of works;
- in the field of performing or audiovisual arts, and other performances and exhibitions of a similar nature
- which are performed in front of the public (excluding broadcasting), or intended to be transmitted or recorded for public dissemination.
These activities include:
- theatrical, musical, dance, circus, bullfighting and any other plays, declamations or interpretations of a similar nature;
- the public exhibition of cinematographic and audiovisual works, whatever medium is used to make it.
Who has to make the mere prior notification?
- The promoters of shows registered in the General Inspection of Cultural Activities (IGAC);
- Promoters not registered in IGAC, but who organise up to 3 occasional shows per year.
You must report online, through the ePortugal.gov.pt portal
The portal is not working?
If you are unable to submit prior notice, follow the instructions given to you on the mere prior notice page. If no instructions are submitted, send the documentation to the Inspectorate General for Cultural Activities (IGAC), via email to igacgeral@igac.pt
The IGAC will forward the documentation to the Lisbon City Council.
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1. Programme of the show (mandatory)
The show programme is a document that the promoter must post in the venue of the show and that must have information about:
- the works to be performed, recited or publicly presented;
- the artistic disciplines involved (only when the show integrates artistic crossovers);
- the dates and the name of the venue.
2. Proof of age classification (where applicable)
Document, issued by IGAC, stating that the show has been assigned an age rating. If the show has an age rating automatically assigned by law, you do not need to submit this proof.
3. Proof of civil liability insurance (mandatory)
Document proving that the promoter or the venue where the performance is to take place has an insurance policy, a guarantee or an equivalent financial instrument covering possible damages arising from the performance (article13, no. 2 and 3 of Decree-Law no. 92/2010, of 26 of July).
4. Authorisation from copyright holders or their representatives (where applicable)
If copyright is used, a statement from the copyright holder or their representatives is required (download example). To learn more, see the article on copyright usage.
5. Authorisation from holders of related rights or their representatives (where applicable)
If related rights are used, a statement from the owner of the related rights or their representatives is required. For more information, see the article on the use of related rights.
6. Authorisation for public exhibition of videogram (when applicable)
If the communication concerns the display of a videogram, the following is required:
| Characteristics of the public display | Document to be submitted |
| The videogram is shown as part of a film cycle or festival | Age classification of film cycles and film festivals |
| The videogram is exhibited occasionally, not as part of a cycle or festival | Request for public exhibition of videogram |
A videogram is a cinematographic or audiovisual work whose physical support is, for example, a DVD disc or a Blue-Ray disc. If the physical support of the work to be communicated is film or DCP (Digital Cinema Package), instead of submitting a prior communication of an artistic performance, make a request for classification and authorisation for distribution of cinematographic works.
7. Proof of activity in the country of origin (where applicable)
Only necessary when the sponsor is from another EU country.
Deadline and validity
Deadline for making the communication
You must deliver the communication before the performance of the show.
Please note that the submission can only take place if you submit all the elements and documents required for the communication. As a precaution, submit the notice a few days in advance.
Validity of the communication
The communication is valid for the number of days or sessions you report to the City Council.
- Regulations governing the operation of artistic performances and the installation and supervision of fixed venues for such performances (Decree-Law no. 23/2014, of 14 February, rectified by Rectification Statement no. 26/2014, of 17 April, and amended by Decree-Law no. 90/2019, of 5 July)
Help and more information
- Call 218 173 600 (working days from 2pm to 7pm)
- Send email to loja.lisboa.cultura@cm-lisboa.pt