The MAR+ project, a dance creation initiative, is currently underway in Lisbon, bringing together artists from Cape Verde and Mozambique. Cape Verdean choreographers Djam Neguin, Nuno Barreto, and Rosy Timas are participating in the project, which aims to promote contemporary dance creation and exchange between different artistic paths and practices. The initiative is coordinated by Marlene Monteiro Freitas and runs from October 12 to 31.
The MAR+ project is a collaboration between the Victor Córdon Studios and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, with the goal of promoting artistic creation, mobility, and international circulation of artists. This year's edition marks a new dimension for the project, which has been working with Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP) since 2020. The project brings together artists from different backgrounds, providing a platform for experimentation, exchange, and reflection on choreographic creation processes.
The participation of Cape Verdean artists in the MAR+ project represents an opportunity to value contemporary Cape Verdean creation in an international context, increasing the visibility of their artistic paths and strengthening ties between African and European cultural circuits. The project also includes Mozambican artists Francisca Mirine and Pak Ndjamena, creating a diverse and enriching experience for all participants.
As part of the project, a public conversation will take place at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation's Modern Art Center on October 30, with Marlene Monteiro Freitas and the resident artists. The session, moderated by Rita Fabiana, aims to promote a shared reflection on contemporary dance, work methods, and the paths that cross choreographic construction. The event is open to the public and seeks to bring the audience closer to the investigation and creation processes of the artists.
The project's program will culminate on October 31 at the Victor Córdon Studios, with a presentation of the results of the work developed during the residence. This moment is intended for programmers, producers, and other national and international cultural agents, with the goal of stimulating new collaboration opportunities and promoting the future circulation of the artists' works.
The Cape Verdean participation in MAR+ reaffirms the importance of artistic residencies as spaces for encounter, training, experimentation, and construction of professional networks, contributing to the internationalization of contemporary dance produced by Cape Verdean artists. The project is part of the PALOP 2026 program and seeks to promote the creation and international circulation of artists from Portuguese-speaking African countries.
The MAR+ — Collaborative Creation Residence is an initiative of the Victor Córdon Studios, in partnership with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, with artistic coordination by Marlene Monteiro Freitas. The project has been underway since 2020 and has been working with Portuguese-speaking African countries to promote artistic creation and exchange.
Key points
- The MAR+ project promotes contemporary dance creation and exchange between artists from Cape Verde and Mozambique.
- The project is a collaboration between the Victor Córdon Studios and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
- The initiative seeks to promote the creation and international circulation of artists from Portuguese-speaking African countries.
