Creating to provide in a time of disappearance, with @Anexo

Nine years on, @anex.o—a platform for creative people—holds onto its purpose: to create space for others. In a landscape where independent culture is pushed to the edges, we spoke about adaptability, collective energy and persistence.

@MOCHIS For those who haven’t encountered Anexo yet, how would you describe its core and what led to its creation?

@ANEXO Anexo is a creative project that focus on exploring spaces through different artistic disciplines, culminating in a physical event — the Anexo parties – its where each exploration is brought to life — the core of it all.

We believe Anexo is

more than a party – a platform for

creative people.

The project was born almost as an instinctive response to the reality we were living at the time — nine years ago. We had just returned from London, where our cultural nervous system had been fed throughout our twenties — widened and deepened.

The contrast was striking.

Lisbon, back then, was a very different city from what it is today. It had yet to be discovered — very local and still old, dark and slow-paced, with barely any tourists. There were many abandoned and underused spaces at the time. All this, combined with a limited cultural scene outside the small established circuits, made us imagine.

Our first party took place in an old, abandoned warehouse — today, it’s what became the Village Underground — where we sought to build a different narrative within that space. After that experience, we knew exactly the direction we wanted to take. The process of finding a space, designing a plan, executing it, and ending in a celebration was incredibly rewarding. “Create to provide” is still our motto – that’s what led to Anexo.

@MOCHIS In a time when so many independent venues are closing and the pressures of rising costs seem ever-present, how do you maintain the spirit of what you’re doing?

@ANEXO For us it has always been about adaptability — working with what’s available, embracing the unique character of each space, and prioritizing artistic collaborations over large-scale productions and programming.

The challenge has always been the same:

find the right space, bring together the right artists

for that specific space and shape a concept

for that moment in time.

Anexo happens organically, when all the right conditions align — and free from peer pressure. The lack of spaces for projects DIY like Anexo has really made us get creative.

We’ve had to work with what we have, like taking a well-known space and completely transforming it so that people wouldn’t even recognize it. That’s where we’re at now, and where we’re heading — constantly reinventing spaces to create something interesting. In a landscape more challenging than ever, what keeps the spirit alive — and drives us forward — are the relationships we nurture with people and a sense of positive contribution to the creative and artistic scene.

@MOCHIS For us, Anexo events go beyond sound; they merge different forms of artistic expression. As a creative yourself, what does it mean to offer a space where artists can truly express themselves freely?

@ANEXO Creative freedom always exists within a framework. The space we choose naturally influences what can be done, but we don’t see it as a limitation — we embrace it as part of the creative process. Each venue has its own vibe and challenges, which shapes how sound, visuals, elements and performances come together.

For us, it's all about giving artists and technicians the chance to explore different ways of expressing themselves in a free, unconventional space, where creativity can unfold naturally, shaped by the relationship between the artist, the space and the sound.

@MOCHIS Your events rely heavily on a sense of collective effort: both from the artists involved and the attendees. How do you cultivate this shared responsibility within your community?

@ANEXO The answer isn’t simple because there’s no formula or strategy behind it – its proved though that a real sense of community is vital for these subcultures to thrive and flourish.We love doing this — creating, exploring, building something meaningful with others. And when that energy is real, people naturally want to be part of it.

We just keep showing up,

doing things with care,

and opening space for others

to do the same.

The more we involve people who resonate with the vision, the stronger the sense of community becomes. Everyone feels they have something to contribute, and that should make the whole thing flow.

Communication is key — making sure everyone’s on the same frequency — but most of the magic comes from being honest with the process, letting things grow organically, and trusting that the people who are meant to connect will connect.

@MOCHIS As independent spaces become more vulnerable to external pressures, how can they adapt to continue making an impact as time goes on?

@ANEXO It’s getting harder. Spaces are closing, rents are rising, and it feels like there’s less and less room for experimentation. But that’s also what should push everyone to be more inventive. Learn to adapt — sometimes, you need to deconstruct to construct a new perspective. Even when the conditions don’t seem ideal, what you do must remain authentic.

What truly keeps independent projects alive is a strong sense of purpose — knowing why you’re doing it in the first place. If that’s clear, you’ll always find ways to move forward, even if the path isn’t always obvious.

Change shouldn’t be resisted

— it’s about learning

how to move with it without losing

what makes the project special.

@MOCHIS We’ve spoken about the risks involved in organizing these events: from financial investment to logistical challenges. How do you measure success in this context? Beyond just the material aspects, what gives you a sense of fulfillment when everything comes together at the end of the night?

@ANEXO Success is subjective.

For us is when things run smoothly every way of the process — before, during and after the party. When our vision comes to life, just as we imagined and sometimes creating an experience that feels different from what you expected.

Success is about fostering real and organic connections – to share these experiences with creative minds and talented artists and overcoming challenges as a team. The financial aspect matters only insofar as it allows us to keep going and refine our work.

Thank you for the space, Mochinga — It's good to stop in time and look back.