DGArtes – Contest Guide

The details of the upcoming DGArtes project support program have already been announced, specifically in the areas of Creation and Publishing, Visual Arts, Music and Opera, Programming, and Internationalization, which opens on January 15.

To facilitate the understanding of these support programs, we have compiled a guide with key information:

Recipients

This competition is open to:

→ Private legal entities headquartered in Portugal;

→ Individuals with tax residency in Portugal;

→ Informal groups, provided they appoint a representative who is either an individual or a legal entity with tax residency or headquarters in Portugal, predominantly engaged in professional activities in one or more of the specified areas.

Supported Artistic Fields

Creation and Publishing: Projects focused on the creation of new artistic works and publications.

Visual Arts: Includes projects in painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, and performance.

Music and Opera: Supports the creation, production, and presentation of concerts, operas, festivals, and musical cycles.

Programming: Aims to support seasons, cycles, and festivals across different artistic areas, promoting the diversity of cultural offerings.

Internationalization: Focused on the circulation of artists and works in an international context, as well as transnational cooperation.

Strategic Objectives

Entities must identify alignment with one of the following objectives:

Creation and Publishing, Visual Arts, Music and Opera, Programming:

→ Promote the relationship of artists with:

1. the Portuguese Contemporary Art Network (RPAC) [specific to the Visual Arts program]
2. the Portuguese Theatre and Cinema-Theatre Network (RTCP)
3. and/or other venues under the Ministry of Culture or other public institutions [excludes the Programming competition];

→ Promote artistic activity as a space for reflection, interaction, and critical debate on contemporary issues, fostering innovation and civic participation;

→ Encourage the inclusion of students or professionals who have completed, within the last 3 years, training in the cultural field.

Internationalization:

→ Stimulate the internationalization of Portuguese arts and culture in Spain or the countries of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries - CPLP;

→ Stimulate the internationalization of Portuguese arts and culture in Latin American countries and within the following events:

• Japan – Expo Osaka Kansai;
• 160th Anniversary of relations between Portugal and Mexico;
• 50th Anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Portugal and India;
• 50th Anniversary of relations between Portugal and Malaysia and between Portugal and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;
• 50 years of relations between Portugal and Algeria;
• 50 years of the reestablishment of relations between Portugal and Egypt.

Public Interest Objectives

Entities must identify alignment with two of the following objectives:

Creation and Publishing, Visual Arts, Music and Opera, Programming:

→ Stimulate the internationalization of Portuguese arts and culture through cooperation with other countries, promoting the international projection of Portuguese playwrights, composers, choreographers, and visual artists;

• specific and mandatory for the Internationalization program

→ Contribute to the diversity and quality of artistic offerings across the national territory;

• excludes the Internationalization program

→ Promote the participation and engagement of communities and audiences in various fields of artistic activity;

• excludes the Visual Arts and Internationalization programs

→ Encourage emerging and dynamic projects within the sector;

• excludes the Internationalization program

→ Enhance the educational dimension and raise cultural awareness through best practices in audience mediation;

• specific to the Programming program

→ Foster environmental sustainability and the adoption of good ecological practices in artistic fields;

→ Stimulate digital transition in artistic domains;

→ Value artistic research and experimentation as innovative practices in development and knowledge;

→ Promote the diversity and qualification of arts professionals;

• specific to the Internationalization program

→ Promote ethnic and cultural diversity, social inclusion, gender equality, citizenship, and the quality of life of populations;

→ Enhance physical, social, and intellectual accessibility for all professionals involved in artistic projects;

• specific to the Visual Arts and Internationalization programs

Funding and Duration

Creation and Publishing, Visual Arts, Music and Opera, and Programming: For each category, the maximum amount is 55.000 euros.

Internationalization: Maximum requested amounts: → 15.000 euros for the subdomain Development and international circulation of works and projects; → 7.500 euros for the subdomains Exchange actions and hosting of promoters in a specific context and Promotion of integration into international networks.

Execution Period

Common to all programs, projects must be carried out between July 2025 and December 2026.

Is this what you’re looking for?

The Couto-Mixto team is available to support all those interested in participating in this DGArtes program. We emphasize the growth potential that this contest represents for artists and cultural entities, offering an excellent opportunity for those who dream of solidifying the structure of an ongoing project, for those who believe it is possible to scale and expand an idea still in its embryonic stage, or for the bold ones who aspire to showcase their creations beyond borders.

Learn more about some of the supported projects we are involved in, such as Barlos and Ecos do Caminho.