Service95 • Cultural Moment
Dua Lipa Interviews Ai Weiwei in Porto: A Powerful Conversation on Censorship Inside the Iconic Manifesto Library at Livraria Lello
October 2026 • Dua Lipa’s Thought-Provoking Interview on Freedom of Expression
Global pop superstar Dua Lipa surprised fans once again by stepping into her role as cultural curator and interviewer. Yesterday in Porto, Portugal, she sat down with world-renowned artist and activist Ai Weiwei to discuss his latest book On Censorship inside the newly established permanent Manifesto Library, a collaboration between her Service95 Book Club and the legendary Livraria Lello.
Dua Lipa and Ai Weiwei: When Pop Meets Political Art
The conversation marks another milestone for Dua Lipa’s Service95 platform, which continues to bridge mainstream entertainment with deep intellectual and political discourse. Known for her chart-topping music and bold fashion statements, Dua has steadily built a reputation as a thoughtful voice in literature and activism through her book club and interview series.
Ai Weiwei, one of the most important contemporary artists of our time, is famous for his provocative installations and long-standing criticism of censorship and authoritarianism. Having lived through government surveillance and imprisonment in China, his perspective on freedom of expression carries profound weight. The opportunity for Dua Lipa to interview Ai Weiwei about his book On Censorship created a rare and compelling cultural moment.
Yesterday in Porto, I had the honour of interviewing the legendary Ai Weiwei about his book On Censorship, inside our permanent MANIFESTO library in partnership with Livraria Lello.
— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) October 3, 2026
What an honour to become a small part of this library’s rich history, and to have the opportunity… pic.twitter.com/du4clI7JNi
Inside the Manifesto Library at Livraria Lello
The interview took place in the heart of Porto’s most famous bookstore — Livraria Lello, often called one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world with its breathtaking red spiral staircase and neo-Gothic architecture. The event was hosted within the permanent Manifesto Library, a special section created through the partnership between Service95 Book Club and Livraria Lello.
— Manifesto Library Official Statement
The library focuses on censored, challenged, and thought-provoking works that explore themes of power, control, silenced voices, and forgotten histories. Dua Lipa’s involvement highlights her commitment to using her platform to amplify important conversations about artistic freedom and expression.
Highlights from Dua Lipa’s Ai Weiwei Interview
During the intimate conversation, Dua Lipa and Ai Weiwei explored the dangers of censorship in both authoritarian regimes and modern digital spaces. Dua, wearing a striking white “Censored” t-shirt in one of the library photos, posed thoughtful questions about the role of art in resisting oppression and preserving truth.
Photographs from the event show Dua Lipa taking a warm selfie with Ai Weiwei, both smiling as he holds the camera. Another image captures Dua sitting elegantly on the iconic red staircase of Livraria Lello, surrounded by towering shelves of books — a perfect visual representation of her deep appreciation for literature and culture.
Dua shared her excitement on social media, writing: “What an honour to become a small part of this library’s rich history, and to have the opportunity to speak with one of the world’s most important artists and voices on censorship, freedom and the power of expression.”
Why This Dua Lipa Ai Weiwei Conversation Matters
In an era where book bans, social media censorship, and political suppression of artists are on the rise globally, this interview carries significant cultural relevance. Dua Lipa interviewing Ai Weiwei brings together two very different worlds — mainstream pop culture and radical contemporary art — to discuss one of the most pressing issues of our time: the right to free expression.
Service95 has previously hosted conversations with literary giants like Margaret Atwood and Olga Tokarczuk. By adding Ai Weiwei to this list, Dua continues to position her platform as a serious space for meaningful dialogue beyond entertainment.
Fans and cultural commentators have praised the moment as evidence of Dua Lipa’s evolution from pop icon to influential cultural figure. Her ability to facilitate high-level discussions on complex topics such as censorship, memory, and artistic resistance demonstrates a level of intellectual curiosity rarely seen among major music stars.
What’s Next for the Conversation?
Dua Lipa promised fans that the full interview will be released soon through Service95. Given the depth of the topic and the stature of both participants, anticipation is already high. Many expect the discussion to touch on Ai Weiwei’s personal experiences with Chinese authorities, the global state of artistic freedom, and how young people can protect democratic values in the digital age.
This event also reinforces the growing influence of Dua Lipa’s Service95 Book Club, which has successfully turned a celebrity-led reading community into a respected cultural institution with real-world impact.
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