MIND & HEART
OPEN CALLS
PORTUGAL Águeda
FOR INTERNATIONAL &
PORTUGAL BASED DANCERS
FILMMAKERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CREATIVES
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.
Please review the criteria and information for open calls thoroughly before submitting your application. All applications will be accepted via email from March 15th until April 9th 2026 till 11:55 PM Portuguese Time.
Thank you!OPEN CALLS
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DANCERS
OPEN CALL for Portugal based or international dancers for 10 days art residency ( 25 June - 6 July 2026).
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FILMMAKER
OPEN CALL for international based filmmaker 7-10 days art residency ( 26 or 30th June - 6 July 2026) .
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PHOTOGRAPHER
OPEN CALL for international artistic Photographer 7-10 day art residency (26 or 30 th June till 6th July 2026).
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Creative assistant
Open Call for Portugal based creative assistant for 10 days art residency ( 26th June till 6 July).
OPEN CALL. FROM MARCH 15TH - APRIL 9TH 2026
FOR
DANCERS RESULTS APRIL 15TH 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, and accommodation at the AgitLab-Villa will be provided from June 25th to July 6th. Outside Portugal based dancers will be able to apply for EU mobility funding that can cover travel and per diem expenses.
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!
OPEN CALL. FROM MARCH 10TH - APRIL 10TH 2026
FOR
FILMMAKER
& PHOTOGRAPHER
Vilija Vitkute, a visual artist, and Eszter Rápolthy, a choreographer, are on the looking for highly motivated, talented and open-minded project eyes - photographer and filmmaker.
We invite international filmmakers and photographers with unique creative perspectives to participate in a 7- to 10-day creative art residency. This residency aims to document the artistic process in an innovative manner and will culminate in a performance at the AgitÁgueda Festival.
Selected filmmaker & photographer will receive accommodation at the AgitLab-Villa will be provided from June 26th to July 6th. And invitation letter & assistance with application for EU mobility funding that can cover travel 400€ and + 85€ per diem expenses.
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 23 years old
A minimum of five years of professional film & photography experience.
its own equipment ( additional equipment will be as well provided on residency).
Must be in great physical and mental condition, willing to work collaboratively and adapt quickly during the creative process.
Excellent verbal communication skills in English.
Please send proposal to viljavit@gmail.com before April 10th 23.55 PT time 2026
a motivation letter (maximum 1000 characters),
CV
website, instagram, portfolio that futures your latest work
If you have any question regarding the residency please send an email to viljavit@gmail.com
The result of application will be announced 18th of April 2026 and 1x1 online meeting.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
OPEN CALL. FROM MARCH 12TH - APRIL 12TH 2026
FOR
CREATIVE assistant ( based in Portugal)
The Mind & Heart project is seeking a local creative assistant to join the creative process and assist with communication in both Portuguese and English during the residency. We are looking for someone who is eager to explore the topic of mental health—particularly through writing and poetry. The ideal candidate should be able to multitask and provide support with various tasks, including building installations, painting, preparing food, and more.We invite international filmmakers and photographers with unique creative perspectives to participate in a 7- to 10-day creative art residency. This residency aims to document the artistic process in an innovative manner and will culminate in a performance at the AgitÁgueda Festival.
Selected creative assistance will receive travel expenses covered (within Portugal) accommodation+meals at the AgitLab-Villa will be provided from June 25th to July 6th, creative experience and workshops.
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 23 years old
Experience engagement at creative, event or festival projects/ events.
motivated, creative, open minded, respectful and punctual
Must be in great physical and mental condition, willing to work collaboratively and adapt quickly during the creative process.
Excellent verbal communication skills in English.
Available for multitasking: help build installations, translate english-Portuguese, help with cooking, creative assistant in writing, painting etc.
Please send proposal to viljavit@gmail.com before April 12th 23.55 PT time 2026
a motivation letter (maximum 1000 characters),
CV
website, instagram, portfolio that futures your latest work or creative activity
If you have any question regarding the residency please send an email to viljavit@gmail.com
The result of application will be announced 20th of April 2026 and 1x1 meeting online.
Looking forward to hearing from you!