Organizer Information
The Évora 2027 Association is the executive body responsible for coordinating and implementing the program for Évora 2027 – European Capital of Culture. Following a rigorous selection process, the city of Évora and the surrounding Alentejo region in Portugal were awarded this prestigious title by the European Union. The organization aims to foster social and cultural co-evolution by bridging Alentejo’s millenary traditions with contemporary European challenges, such as climate change, migration, and digital transformation. Their work is fundamentally rooted in the concept of Vagar, a local philosophy of slow living and mindful existence.
Title & Description
"Our Lab" (O Nosso Laboratório)
"Our Lab" is an international open call designed to enrich the official artistic program of Évora 2027. The project seeks creative proposals that explore the central theme of VAGAR (to wander / to slow down), inviting artists to imagine alternative futures and creations that strengthen the human essence. Selected projects will be presented across four distinct environments in the Alentejo region: cultural venues (theaters, museums), heritage buildings (convents, churches), public urban spaces (squares, streets), and natural landscapes (gardens, the Montado). The initiative encourages international dialogue and the development of new narratives that value cultural diversity and sustainability.
Categories
- Performing Arts: Theatre, Dance, Circus, Opera, Street Arts.
- Design & Architecture: Architecture, Design, Installations.
- Media & Music: Music, New Media.
- Interdisciplinary: Cross-disciplinary Artistic Projects and Experimental Interventions.
Eligibility
- International Artists: Open to individuals or collectives residing or headquartered in Europe (excluding Portugal) or in non-European countries.
- Experience: Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years of proven professional experience in their respective artistic fields.
- Legal Status: Individual applicants must be of legal age. Legal entities must have been established for at least 36 months prior to the application date.
- Partnership: Applicants must provide evidence of potential partnerships with venues or entities in Portugal (specifically the Alentejo region) for hosting the project.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected projects will be part of the official European Capital of Culture 2027 program. Financial support is significant, with a total budget of €2,000,000 allocated for this call. Applicants can apply for funding at five distinct levels:
- €20,000 | €40,000 | €60,000 | €80,000 | €100,000. These grants are intended to cover project implementation, including artist fees, production costs, transportation, travel, accommodation, and meals for team members.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a project dossier (in English or Portuguese) containing:
- Identification: Tax documentation and ID/Passport copies for individuals or members of a collective.
- CV & Portfolio: Detailed professional history demonstrating 3+ years of experience.
- Project Proposal: A descriptive report outlining activities, artistic objectives, and alignment with the Vagar concept.
- Financial Plan: A detailed budget (expenses and revenues) and a proposed schedule.
- Logistics: Preferred presentation spaces and a digital communication plan.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 January 2026
- Creative Process Start: April 2026 (Research, residencies, rehearsals)
- Public Presentations: Between February 6 and December 31, 2027
Location
Évora and the Alentejo region, Portugal
Additional Details
Projects are expected to ensure physical, social, and intellectual accessibility. The evaluation criteria include artistic relevance (30%), alignment with the Vagar concept (20%), and implementation capacity/sustainability (20%). Each project must include a minimum of three public presentations or a medium-term installation stay.