Open Call: MOVIDA Labs on Dance and Technology Program

The MOVIDA Labs 2026 is an international artist development programme supporting multidisciplinary duos working at the intersection of dance and technology. Selected participants will join one of four international 9-day Labs in Romania, Germany, Portugal, or Estonia, receiving artist fees, production funding, travel support, mentorship, and opportunities to further develop their projects through future MOVIDA residencies.

MOVIDA Labs 2026

MOVIDA Labs 2026 is inviting applications from 16 multidisciplinary artist duos to participate in four international laboratory programmes exploring the intersection of dance, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies. The programme provides an opportunity for artists to experiment with innovative technologies, collaborate across disciplines, and develop new artistic concepts through studio-based research and international exchange.

The Labs will be hosted by academic and dance institution partnerships in Romania, Germany, Portugal, and Estonia between December 2026 and February 2027.

Program Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Support interdisciplinary collaboration between dance and technology.
• Develop innovative artistic practices using emerging technologies.
• Build artists’ technical and creative skills.
• Encourage experimentation with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Promote international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Strengthen professional networks across Europe.
• Create opportunities for future artistic development through residencies.

Focus Areas

Applicants may apply to one of the following Lab themes:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI), Accessibility and Dance.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Dance.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Dance.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mental Health and Dance.

About MOVIDA Labs

MOVIDA Labs is an international artistic laboratory programme designed for multidisciplinary artist duos interested in integrating digital technologies into dance practice.

Participants will work collaboratively in studio environments, explore computational creativity, experiment with audience interaction, and develop innovative artistic concepts through mentorship, practical exploration, and peer learning.

The programme also serves as a pathway to future MOVIDA residencies, allowing participants to continue developing ideas generated during the Labs.

Program Structure

The programme includes:

• Four international laboratory programmes.
• Four host countries:
  • Romania.
  • Germany.
  • Portugal.
  • Estonia.
• Duration of each Lab: 9 days.
• Total participants: 16 multidisciplinary duos.
• One application per duo for one Lab only.

Benefits

Selected participants will receive:

• Artist fee: €1,200 (gross) for each artist.
• Production budget: Up to €500 per duo.
• Travel support.
• Accommodation.
• Access to studio facilities.
• Access to equipment and technical personnel.
• Professional mentoring.
• Photo and video documentation of the project.
• Invitations to future MOVIDA networking events.
• Fast-track consideration for MOVIDA two-month residencies (2027–2028).

Eligible Activities

Participants will have opportunities to:

• Develop new artistic concepts.
• Experiment with AI technologies.
• Explore immersive technologies such as AR and VR.
• Integrate robotics into dance performance.
• Investigate accessibility through technology.
• Explore mental health themes in dance.
• Test audience interaction methods.
• Collaborate with international artists and researchers.
• Build interdisciplinary creative practices.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must apply as a duo.

Both applicants must:

• Be residents of Europe.
• Live in an EU Member State or another Creative Europe eligible country.
• Demonstrate experience combining dance and technology.
• Show capability in computational creativity and/or interactive performance.
• Apply for only one Lab.

Application Tracks

Applications are accepted under three tracks:

• General Track: Open to applicants from eligible countries other than the designated regional countries.
• Regional Track: Open to duos where both applicants are based in the same MOVIDA country:
  • Bulgaria.
  • Estonia.
  • Germany.
  • Portugal.
  • Romania.
• Ukrainian Track: Open to duos where both applicants are based in Ukraine.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Professional experience in dance or performance.
• Experience integrating technology into artistic practice.
• Collaborative working experience.
• Interest in experimentation and interdisciplinary research.
• Ability to participate fully in the selected Lab.

Why This Program Matters

The programme creates opportunities for artists to explore how emerging technologies can reshape dance performance, audience engagement, accessibility, and creative expression.

It helps participants:

• Expand interdisciplinary skills.
• Experiment with cutting-edge technologies.
• Build international collaborations.
• Develop innovative artistic concepts.
• Strengthen professional careers.
• Access future international residency opportunities.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the programme guidelines and Lab themes.
2. Choose the single Lab that best matches your artistic interests.
3. Form an eligible multidisciplinary artist duo.
4. Prepare application materials demonstrating artistic practice and technological experience.
5. Identify the appropriate application track (General, Regional, or Ukrainian).
6. Submit the completed application before the official deadline.
7. Await the selection results and, if selected, prepare to participate in the assigned international Lab.

Application Tips

To strengthen your application:

• Clearly explain how technology supports your artistic vision.
• Demonstrate previous interdisciplinary collaborations.
• Show experience with AI, AR, VR, robotics, accessibility, or interactive technologies where relevant.
• Present a strong creative concept.
• Highlight complementary skills between both applicants.
• Explain how participation will benefit your future artistic development.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying to more than one Lab.
• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Failing to demonstrate collaboration between both artists.
• Providing unclear artistic concepts.
• Showing limited evidence of technology integration.
• Applying under the wrong eligibility track.
• Omitting required supporting materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is MOVIDA Labs 2026?

It is an international artist development programme that brings together multidisciplinary dance and technology duos to explore innovative artistic practices using emerging technologies.

Who can apply?

Artist duos whose members are residents of Europe, including EU Member States and Creative Europe eligible countries, may apply if they meet the programme requirements.

How many Labs are available?

There are four international Labs hosted in Romania, Germany, Portugal, and Estonia.

How many participants will be selected?

The programme will select 16 multidisciplinary artist duos.

What financial support is provided?

Each artist receives €1,200 (gross), while each duo can receive up to €500 for production costs, along with travel, accommodation, equipment access, and technical support.

Can applicants apply to more than one Lab?

No. Each application may be submitted for only one Lab.

Are there future opportunities after completing the Lab?

Yes. Participants receive networking opportunities and fast-track access when applying for MOVIDA two-month residencies during 2027–2028.

Conclusion

MOVIDA Labs 2026 provides multidisciplinary artists with a unique opportunity to explore the future of dance through Artificial Intelligence, immersive technologies, robotics, accessibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By combining international exchange, hands-on experimentation, professional mentorship, and financial support, the programme empowers artists to create innovative performances while expanding their professional networks and preparing for future creative opportunities.