Organizer Information:

Curiosa runs the "Other Lands Other Sounds" (OLOS) program, an initiative led by expert facilitators Kate Smith (Founder of Curiosa), Filipe Sousa (Artistic Director of Skoola, Tutor at Guildhall School of Music and Drama), and Beatriz Martinez (Coordinator at EFTI School of Photography).

Title & Description:

Applications are open for Other Lands Other Sounds 2026.

Held in an enchanting 18th-century mansion 30 minutes outside of Porto, OLOS is an intensive 12-day residential course focused on cross-disciplinary collaboration. It is designed to help artists step outside familiar patterns, take risks, and experiment boldly. Working across disciplines, participants will co-create new works—ranging from performance and installation to sound and movement—culminating in a promenade performance through the halls of the historic space. (Note: This is not designed for existing solo projects; everything made will be new and created in response to the group and the space).

Category:

Residency & Intensive Course / Cross-Arts Collaboration.

(Music, Visual Arts, Dance, Theatre, Performance, and Live Art).

Eligibility:

  • Who: Artists with an established, developed practice (professionals, amateurs, or students). This program is not for beginners in their art form.
  • The Ensemble: The organizers are selecting exactly 16 artists to form the cohort, aiming for:
    • 9 Musicians
    • 5 Visual Artists
    • 1 Movement Artist
    • 1 Performance Maker
  • Mindset: Applicants must be open to improvisation, creative games, and deep collaboration.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Workspace & Accommodation: Living and creating within the historic Court of Cavalum.
  • Meals: Food is included for the duration of the program.
  • Mentorship & Facilitation: Guided support from facilitators trained in the art of collaboration, one-to-one tutorials, group conversations, movement sessions, and field trips.
  • Special Opportunities: There is 1 work exchange placement available for documentation, and 1 bursary available for a local Portuguese artist.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: Free to apply.
  • Course Fee: Fees start from €1210 (this includes tuition, workspace, accommodation, and food). Travel is not included.
  • Early Bird Discount: A €100 discount is applied to applications submitted by May 1, 2026.
  • Funding Opportunity: Students and artists from other European countries may be eligible to apply to the Culture Moves Europe mobility grant to cover their course fees (support is provided for those applying).

Application Requirements:

Artists should be prepared to demonstrate their established practice and a genuine interest in how other people think, create, and collaborate.

How to Apply?

Submit your application through the official portal on the Curiosa website.

Key Dates:

  • Early Bird Deadline: May 1, 2026 (For a €100 discount).
  • Application Deadlines (Rolling):
    • March 20, 2026
    • April 17, 2026
    • May 22, 2026
    • June 19, 2026
  • Program Dates: July 31 – August 11, 2026.

Location:

Court of Cavalum, Northern Portugal (30 minutes outside of Porto).

Contact Information:

Email: Discover.Curiosa@gmail.com