Open Call for Artistic Projects at Imaginarius 2027

Imaginarius 2027 invites national and international artists, collectives, and organisations to submit innovative artistic projects for inclusion in its performing arts festival in public spaces. The open call supports theatre, dance, music, circus, performance, installation, new media, and multidisciplinary works that create meaningful artistic experiences in urban environments.

About Imaginarius 2027 Festival

Imaginarius 2027 is an international festival dedicated to performing arts in public spaces, providing a platform for artists to present creative works that interact with communities, architecture, and urban environments.

The festival encourages artistic experimentation and supports projects that transform public spaces into places of cultural exchange, interaction, and contemporary artistic expression.

Selected projects will become part of the official programme of the 2027 edition of Imaginarius Festival.

Purpose of the Open Call

The open call aims to:

• Support innovative performing arts projects.
• Encourage artistic exploration in public spaces.
• Connect national and international artists.
• Promote multidisciplinary and experimental practices.
• Create dialogue between artists, communities, and urban environments.
• Present diverse artistic approaches to public audiences.

Eligible Artistic Disciplines

The call welcomes projects across different artistic fields, including:

• Theatre.
• Dance.
• Music.
• Circus.
• Performance art.
• Public interventions.
• Installations.
• New media.
• Multidisciplinary artistic practices.

Projects combining different artistic languages are especially encouraged.

Preferred Project Characteristics

The festival gives particular value to proposals that:

• Include a strong performative element.
• Explore unconventional formats.
• Engage directly with public spaces.
• Create immersive audience experiences.
• Challenge traditional presentation formats.
• Connect artistic practice with contemporary social and cultural contexts.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is open to:

• National artists.
• International artists.
• Artistic collectives.
• Creative organisations.
• Emerging artists.
• Early-career creators.
• Established artists developing new public space projects.

Applicants may be at different stages of their artistic careers.

Eligible Project Types

Projects may include:

• New artistic creations.
• Existing works ready for presentation.
• Projects currently under development.
• Works that have already premiered.

Previously presented projects are eligible if they have:

• Clear presentation conditions.
• Adaptability to festival settings.
• Relevance to public space performance.

Public Space Artistic Projects

Submitted projects should demonstrate a meaningful relationship with public environments.

Public spaces may be used as:

• Places of artistic creation.
• Sites for audience interaction.
• Spaces for social dialogue.
• Environments for experimental performances.

Projects may use different formats, including:

• Fixed performances.
• Mobile or itinerant works.
• Long-duration performances.
• Continuous installations.
• Urban interventions.

Selection Process and Programme Inclusion

Up to 18 projects are expected to be selected for Imaginarius 2027.

Selected projects will:

• Become part of the official festival programme.
• Be presented to national and international audiences.
• Participate in artistic exchange opportunities.
• Contribute to contemporary public space practices.

Selection will consider:

• Artistic quality.
• Originality.
• Consistency of artistic vision.
• Relationship with public space.
• Feasibility of presentation.
• Contribution to the festival programme.

Festival Presentation Dates

Selected artists must be available to present their projects:

• 20–22 May 2027

Projects will be scheduled according to the festival programme and artistic direction.

Number of Performances

Each selected project will generally be presented:

• Between three and five times during the festival.

The final number of presentations will depend on:

• Project characteristics.
• Technical requirements.
• Festival scheduling.
• Artistic direction decisions.

For urban interventions and installations, presentation arrangements will be determined individually.

Travel Support for Selected Artists

Selected participants will receive fixed travel support contributions.

Projects From Mainland Portugal

Travel support:

• €150 per person

Projects From Other European Territories, Madeira, Azores and North Africa

Travel support:

• €400 per person

Projects From Other Countries

Travel support:

• €1,200 per person

The support contributes toward travel-related costs for participating artists.

Artist Responsibilities

Selected artists are responsible for:

• Maintaining the artistic integrity of their projects.
• Providing necessary materials and equipment.
• Ensuring the project can be implemented safely in public spaces.
• Meeting festival presentation requirements.
• Coordinating technical and artistic needs.

Restrictions During Festival Presentations

Artists participating in Imaginarius 2027 cannot collect direct donations from audiences during performances.

This includes:

• Hat collection.
• Busking-related contributions.
• Public donation requests.
• Other forms of audience payment linked to presentations.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare:

1. Artistic project proposal.
2. Description of the concept and artistic approach.
3. Explanation of the relationship with public space.
4. Information about the artistic team or organisation.
5. Presentation requirements and technical needs.
6. Relevant previous work or experience.

Applicants should ensure their proposal clearly explains:

• Artistic objectives.
• Audience experience.
• Presentation format.
• Feasibility within a festival environment.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Highlight the connection between the project and public space.
• Explain how audiences will experience the work.
• Demonstrate artistic originality.
• Include clear production requirements.
• Show adaptability to outdoor environments.
• Present strong examples of previous artistic work.
• Explain the project’s relevance to contemporary artistic practices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects unrelated to public space.
• Providing unclear artistic concepts.
• Ignoring technical requirements.
• Failing to explain audience interaction.
• Submitting incomplete project information.
• Proposing works that cannot adapt to festival conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Imaginarius 2027?

Imaginarius 2027 is an international performing arts festival focused on artistic projects presented in public spaces.

Who can apply for the open call?

Artists, collectives, and organisations from Portugal and other countries can apply, including emerging and established creators.

Which artistic disciplines are accepted?

The call accepts theatre, dance, music, circus, performance, installation, new media, intervention, and multidisciplinary projects.

Can projects that have already premiered apply?

Yes. Existing projects can apply if they have suitable conditions for presentation within the festival context.

How many projects will be selected?

Approximately 18 projects are expected to be selected for the 2027 festival edition.

When will selected projects be presented?

Selected projects will be presented between 20 and 22 May 2027.

Is travel support available for selected artists?

Yes. Selected artists receive fixed travel support depending on their location of origin.

Conclusion

The Imaginarius 2027 Open Call provides an international platform for artists to present innovative performing arts projects in public spaces. By supporting theatre, dance, performance, installation, and multidisciplinary works, the festival encourages creators to transform urban environments into spaces of artistic exchange, community engagement, and contemporary cultural expression.