MIND & HEART
OPEN CALLS
PORTUGAL Águeda
OPEN CALL FROM 18TH APRIL TILL MAY
18TH RESULTS MAY 23RD
ART RESIDENCY FROM JUNE 25TH - JULY 6TH 2026 IN Águeda PORTUGAL
FOR DANCERS BASED IN PORTUGAL
ABOUT
Einar Kling-Odencrants (EKOpics) Bodypainting by Vilija Art
Since 2017, Vilija Art has participated in the Câmara Municipal Águeda during the AgitÁgueda Festival. Invited by Paulina Almeida, an art curator and artist, as well as a representative of the artist residency held in Alta Vila Park, Águeda, she has developed a variety of dance body painting projects alongside both local and international artists.
A new initiative aimed at mental health, named Mind and Heart, is in development for 2026. Mental health challenges significantly affect public health in Portugal, with some of the highest rates of anxiety and depression in the European Union—approximately 1 in 5 Portuguese individuals have experienced a mental illness. This initiative will explore themes through various creative processes, including movement, painting, body art, art therapy, writing, workshops, lectures, and performances, to encourage dialogue, conversation, and openness to healing in different forms.
International and local participants, comprising nine dancers, a choreographer, a visual and body painting artist, along with filmmakers, photographers, and other creatives, will unite for an art residency lasting between 10 to 14 days. Together, they will collaborate to create installations, conduct workshops, and engage in live body painting, culminating in a dance performance featuring body painting scheduled for July 4th and 5th.
See previous years projects -
WHERE WE GATHER
ÁGUEDA
Every year, Águeda projects itself to the world through the AgitÁgueda Art Festival , an event that brings color to the entire city and to what is considered one of "the most beautiful streets in the world." Hundreds of national and international artists participate in this event. Beyond the music, the whole city becomes a stage for AgitÁgueda, and the streets are filled with color and animation, with diverse cultural performances, an exhibition of Living Statues, and other activities such as the "Carnival After Hours" and Color Day. A true landmark of the municipality!
AgitLab
The Artist Residence, which takes place in the Alta Vila Park, Águeda, is one of the projects of the Association Improvise and Organize annually supported by the Municipality of Agueda.
The Residence offers emerging artists several creative spaces and presentation opportunities to an audience, in exchange for the participation in events involving the local community, such as workshops and open studio.
Bodypainting Scene
From 2017 to 2025, the body painting scene thrived at the AgitÁgueda festival in Portugal, becoming the country's leading body painting event and attracting a considerable audience. Each edition of the festival hosted numerous international and local artists, dancers, photographers, musicians, and curators, fostering collaboration and exchange. This initiative not only celebrated body art and self-expression but also raised awareness of the cultural significance of this unique form of artistic expression.
OPEN CALLS
Please review the project information & criteria for open calls thoroughly before submitting your application. All applications will be accepted via email from APRIL 18th until May 18th 2026 till 11:55 PM Portuguese Time.
Thank you!A Multicultural Multidisciplinary Artist
Vilija is a renowned multicultural and multidisciplinary artist celebrated globally for her body painting, paper art, performance art, and films.
Born during Lithuania's independence, she belongs to the "Freedom Generation." Growing up in an art school, she developed a strong foundation in visual arts. In 2010, during the countries economic crisis, she migrated to Sweden and began next chapter as well in her professional art career at the age of 18, working as art teacher and visual artist at children museum creation, with festival creation of Peace & Love and starting & starting body painting and photography work that open new doors to the world.
Today, Vilija is a two-time world Bodypainting champion and an innovator of sustainable techniques for crafting body painting special effects. She has gained recognition for her body painting in the Arctic and on the highest mountain peaks, holding the world record for the highest camouflage body painting at 3,200 meters, which raises awareness about melting glaciers. In addition to her body painting accomplishments, she is also a filmmaker and visual creator. Her films and videos have garnered awards, including Best Music Video of the Year in Dalarna, Sweden, and were featured at the Venice Biennale in 2015.
Collaborations and Performances
For over eight years, Vilija has collaborated with artist Johannes Stoetter, touring the globe with animal illusion shows focused on animal protection at events such as China's Got Talent, Britain's Got Talent, Italy's, Germany & France Got Talent. Their collaboration culminated in her role as an actress, assistant of an artist in Francis Ford Coppola's movie Megalopolis.
Creating Meaningful Spaces
As an independent creator, Vilija establishes her own platform to foster meaningful projects that convey important messages to both herself and the world. She invites diverse participants, from beginners to professional and world known artists, to collaborate in an open and supportive environment. This space is free from competition and egos, emphasizing love, peace, and mutual respect, enabling everyone to share their experiences and learn from one another.
This year marks the ninth year of hosting the body painting scene at the Agitagueda Art Festival. The 2026 project will center on the theme of Mind and Heart, focusing on mental health, particularly addressing the issue of depression in Portugal. Vilija is gathering stories and believes this project can inspire and help others, sharing a powerful message together.
Project Visionary
Vilija Vitkute
Prepare for an emotional journey, as this year will offer more time for creation and connection. Approximately 18 artists will live, eat, create, and celebrate together in an art residency, thanks to the support of Agda Lab and the Municipal.
This year, Vilija is collaborating with a new choreographer , 2 international Bodypainting artist, 3 local and international assistants, nine local and international dancers and 2 filmmaker & photographer. She sees this as a fresh start, filled with new energy, respect, and love among creators, as they support each other in pursuing their dreams and growing as individuals throughout this artistic journey.
Our Creative Team
Eszter Rápolthy
Eszter Rápolthy, a contemporary dancer and choreographer from Budapest, was born in 2000. She started performing at age 7, studied contemporary dance in Copenhagen, and joined Verve, the youth company of Northern School of Contemporary Dance, earning her MA in 2024.
Her career includes collaborations with Bobbi Lo Produktion in Sweden and performances across Europe, such as at the Copenhagen Fringe Festival and notable venues like Geneva Théodore Turrettini and The Place London. Eszter created her first duet, "Lost," in Denmark and worked with Natalie Cox on "Stand(-)by," focusing on social behaviors.
She engages in multidisciplinary projects that combine contemporary dance with film, fashion, and theater. Influenced by yoga, Eszter emphasizes the body's emotional communication and views it as an archive of experiences, inspired by nature and humanity's connections.
Choreographer
Marian Folga
Marian Folga is a Polish visual artist known for combining body painting, painting, and performance. He explores the tension between fantasy and realism, using the body as a symbolic, emotional, and transformative space. His work features detailed narratives, contrasting light and darkness. Folga is the founder of Dyemotion Dance Theatre, where the dancer's body serves as a living canvas, blending choreography with body painting and performance. A two-time world champion in UV body painting, he has also won multiple international body painting competitions.
Visual & Bodypainting Artist
Maggy is a South Tyrolean activist, author, speaker, and filmmaker who fell in love with diving in 2011. A transformative encounter with a grouper inspired her to advocate for ocean conservation. She organizes beach clean-ups, volunteers with organizations like Sea Shepherd, and has delivered over 1400 speeches on various topics, including animal rights and plant-based diets. Maggy has authored two books and fulfills multiple roles in her activism, from diver to vegan chef. She believes everyone can make a difference through thoughtful choices and is currently working on a documentary about HOPE, emphasizing that hope requires courage and action. Maggy founded Project HOPE and co-founded the SANUSPLANET Foundation, providing financial support to global organizations.
Filmmaker, educator & creative assistant Magdalena Gschnitzer
More of the project artist will be announced by end of May 2026 after the Open Calls selections
Murphy Dolceniera, born in Italy on August 29, 1994, now resides in Valencia as a Fallas artist, transforming urban spaces through her multifaceted art. Educated at the Academy of Fine Arts of Brera in Milan, she blends body painting, sculpture, and performance. A two-time World Champion in body painting, she uses skin as a canvas, focusing on camouflage to reveal the unseen. Her work is a spiritual and fierce exploration of truth, where water and fire symbolize transformation. Embracing a polymorphic and untamed nature, she views each creative act as a cycle of rebirth and new beginnings.
Visual & Bodypainting ArtistMurphy Dolceniera
OPEN CALL. FROM APRIL 18th - may 18TH 2026
FOR
DANCERS RESULTS May 23rd 2026
Vilija Vitkute, a visual artist, and Eszter Rápolthy, a choreographer, are on the looking for highly motivated and open-minded dancers with contemporary backgrounds.
We welcome local and international dancers based in Portugal who are fully available for a 10-day residency, which includes two days focused on live body painting and performance. The residency will culminate in a performance at the AgitÁgueda Festival.
This is a paid opportunity. Selected dancers will receive a fee of 400-600€, shared accommodation + meals at the AgitLab-Villa will be provided from June 25th to July 6th.
Dance rehearsals will be led by choreographer Eszter Rápolthy and multidisciplinary artist Vilija Vitkute. Our focus will center on mental health, featuring workshops, lectures, and movement explorations. Participants will enjoy a unique experience, including body painting by three world champions. The art residency will be documented through film and photography, providing various opportunities for networking, workshops, and cultural activities.
Criteria:
Applicants must be over 18
Body Representation: Must be comfortable with nudity, body painting, and performing in public spaces (intimate areas will be covered).
A minimum of three years of professional dance training or previous performing experience.
Must be in great physical and mental condition, willing to work collaboratively and adapt quickly during the creative process.
Strong improvisation skills.
Excellent verbal communication skills in English.
Please send proposal to agitlab@cm-agueda.pt & viljavit@gmail.com before April 9th 23.55 PT time 2026
a motivation letter (maximum 1000 characters),
2 photos of yourself,
CV
Max 2 min recent improvisation video link ( focusing on soft isolations and continuous movement)
If you have any question regarding the residency please send an email to agitlab@cm-agueda.pt and viljavit@gmail.com
The result of application will be announced 15th of April 2026 and 1x1 online meeting.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
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A typical day will consist of 5 to 7 hours of activities, including warm-ups, rehearsals, lectures, and workshops. Rehearsals are scheduled to take place from 9:00 or 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 or 1:00 p.m., followed by a 2-hour break, after which we will resume until approximately 4:00 or 5:00 p.m. On certain days, rehearsal times may vary depending on the schedule and weather conditions. As we approach the performance premiere, rehearsals will begin later in the day. The schedule includes a 3-hour break from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and additional rehearsals from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. We will also allow for longer breaks on some days, taking into account the group's energy levels.
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We would ask you to read some inspiring articles about mental health theme before the residency and during it. The general one on one online meeting of 30 min will be required before residency starts. Review of residency schedules and project contract signing.
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Our project models and dancers will never be completely nude for events. During the dance body-painting performance, all participants will wear specialized underwear that allows for free movement, along with nipple covers or skin-colored bras. We prioritize respect, trust, and open communication throughout the process, ensuring that all necessary details are discussed in advance. It is essential for each model or dancer to feel confident in their body and to trust the artist.
The initial stillness required during the body-painting process lasts between one and a half to three hours, with breaks included. We will provide assistance to ensure that models are well-nourished and hydrated. Additionally, it is advisable for participants to have flip-flops and kimono-style robes available after the painting, as they may need to wait until the performance.
To maintain the quality of the body paint, it is crucial for models to be adequately groomed. During the live body-painting event in the art installation space, participants will be photographed and filmed. We will ensure that intimate areas are covered to maintain comfort throughout the process.
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Project artist works with dermatologically tested body paint especially developed for the human skin.
The artist paints with water based paints mainly from the brands Kryolan,Diamond FX, Cameleon and Mehron.
Its esy to wash it off with normal sponge and soap.
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Yes, we will proceed with signing a contract that outlines the terms of your participation in the art residency. This agreement will detail the fee, accommodation arrangements, and the conditions under which you will be photographed and filmed. Additionally, it will cover living and working conditions, rights and the expectations regarding trust and respect between employer and employee.
The contract will be needed to sign before the art residency 2026 JUNE 18TH.
Important: You must have basic Portuguese or EU health insurance—ensuring you have adequate coverage to address any potential healthcare expenses in case of any accidents.
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We will remit your fee of €400 to €600 through the provided invoice or signed payment document. The payment will be processed promptly following the art residency, scheduled between July 7th and 10th, 2026. Every artist will need to send its data for payment before art residency starts 2026 JUNE 18TH.
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We will be accommodating 14 to 18 individuals in a spacious, artistically designed historical house. The dancers will share rooms, with each room housing three to four people. The accommodations are sufficiently spacious to ensure comfort, featuring prepared beds, as well as shared showers and toilets.
The property boasts a large garden and communal living areas, soem private spaces, wfi .
The kitchen will operate on a scheduled rotation, with groups responsible for cooking lunch & dinner and basic cleaning on a daily basis. Breakfast will be available at flexible hours, allowing everyone to prepare it according to their preferences and schedules. We will have local, biological as organic food as possible supplies available for all the artist.
Big Ideas,
Real Impact.
“Mental health care is not optional, it’s foundational to how we live, love, and lead.”
― Wayne Chirisa