Following the presentation of five projects for Évora 2027, the artistic director of the managing association, John Romão, announced to journalists that the complete program of the initiative will be unveiled “in the last quarter of 2026”.
“Our programming is scheduled to officially begin in February 2027,” he added.
John Romão made these remarks after a session highlighting the artistic and infrastructure programs of Évora 2027, held at the Convento de São Bento de Cástris, on the city’s outskirts, with the Minister of Culture, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, in attendance.
During the session, several of the 52 projects from the bid book were presented, including ‘Cante – Sons do Vagar’ by musician Tozé Bexiga, ‘Casa dos Bonecos’, and the ‘Bienal Internacional de Marionetas de Évora’ by the Centro Dramático de Évora (Cendrev).
Other projects introduced were ‘Hypertêxtil – Bienal de Arte Têxtil do Alentejo’ by Córtex Frontal, ‘Travão de emergência’ by the Estação Cooperativa de Casa Branca, and ‘Imagens-X’ by Grupo Pro-Évora.
In his comments to journalists, the artistic director mentioned that the Associação Évora 2027 plans to launch two competitions in September this year: one for the school community in Central Alentejo and another aimed at international structures and artists.
“We are currently preparing these regulations,” John Romão stated.
He explained that the open call for international structures and artists is intended to solicit projects “that involve the communities of Alentejo in various artistic domains and showcase those partnerships with the territory.”
Regarding delays in the initiative, the artistic director acknowledged that the managing association is “accelerating and trying to make up for some lost time,” acknowledging that “the project is somewhat delayed.”
“We are working with all the artists and associations represented in the bidbook,” as well as on “strengthening national and international partnerships of these projects, the dimension of legacy, and the relationship with local communities,” he added.
