Open Call
Resonance Artist Residency
in Portugal
August 31 – September 9, 2026
A 10-day immersive experience for emerging and underrepresented theater artists.
Applications Are Now Closed
NEW DATE! APPLY BY JULY 7
This opportunity combines an individual, self-guided artistic residency with a facilitated group experience at Resonance Portugal.
Made possible through the generosity of an individual donor, this community-supported scholarship offers one emerging or underrepresented artist the chance to spend 10 days in central Portugal dedicated to creative exploration, reflection, and connection.
The experience begins with several days of independent residency time (August 31–September 3), followed by participation in Resonance Portugal (September 4–9), an immersive gathering centered on creativity, community, and personal transformation.
To learn more about the Resonance experience, visit the Resonance Portugal page.
LEAR MORE BELOW!
We believe transformative artistic spaces should be accessible to those who may not traditionally have institutional support, funding, sabbaticals, or resources to participate.
This opportunity was created to support:
Underrepresented artists
BIPOC and LGBTQ+ theater-makers
Emerging artists
Underfunded theater leaders/ organization leaders in theater
The selected participant will join the full Resonance Portugal retreat experience, followed by a week of artistic residency and community exchange.
ABOUT
WHAT’S INCLUDED
10-Day Experience
August 31 – September 9, 2026
Lodging and dinners during residency week (August 31– September 3)
Registration fees for Resonance (Sept 4 –9)
All meals during the retreat week
Shared bunk-bed accommodations
Pickup/ Drop off in Coimbra
Studio space with wood floor/ Outdoor space
An open sharing of your work with the local community
Participants are responsible for:
Travel to Portugal
Bus or train transportation to Coimbra
Breakfasts and lunches during August 31 – September 3
Personal expenses
Any desired art supplies
What’s Not Included?
This opportunity may especially resonate with:
Artists exploring socially engaged or community-based work
Theater-makers seeking creative renewal
Artists working independently or outside institutional structures
People longing for time, space, nature, and artistic exchange
Who Should Apply?
Applications are reviewed with care and attention.
At Aviva Arts, we welcome artists whose work and values align with our approach, grounded in curiosity, openness, and a commitment to care, collective awareness, and art as a form of resistance and connection. We are looking for intention, a sense of alignment, and a genuine need for support.
Applications close: JULY 7
11:30 PM - PT
Selected participant notified: July 11
Application Process
Sponsor a spot for someone to attend Resonance Portugal.
This contribution goes directly toward supporting a participant who would otherwise not be able to join. By choosing this option, you are actively making space for someone else to be part of this experience.
This contribution goes directly toward supporting a participant who would otherwise not be able to join. By choosing this option, you are actively making space for someone else to be part of this experience.
Or get in touch!