SPA's brief history
In 1873, on initiative of the writer Costa Braga, takes place the first attempt to form a society to defend authors and theatre composers' rights in Portugal.
In 1925 is formed SECTP (Sociedade de Escritores e Compositores Teatrais Portugueses/Portuguese Writers and Theatre Composers Society), a structure that gave birth to the current SPA structure.
In 1958, SECTP starts publishing the bulletin «Autores».
In 1968, SECTP joins BIEM (the International Organisation representing Mechanical Rights Societies).
In 1970 takes place the Statutes Revision that were in force since 1928 and the Cooperative's designation is changed to SPA - Sociedade Portuguesa de Autores (Portuguese Society of Authors), extending its action to all areas related to intelectual creation.
In 1975, and in order to celebrate SPA's 50th anniversary, its headquarters located in Av. Duque de Loulé, nº 31, Lisbon, are inaugurated.
In 1989, GESAC (Grupo Europeu das Sociedades de Autores e Compositores) (European Group of Authors and Composers Societies) is founded, of which SPA is a founding member.
In 2003, Manuel Freire - a well known singer and songwriter - is elected President and is still in office. The CEO is José Jorge Letria, writer and songwriter with a long and fruitful career.
In 2010, José Jorge Letria is elected President of the Board.