Regulation

Musurgia – Associação Cultural opens a call for proposals for early music ensembles that want to be part of the programming of CásterAntiqua – Early Music Festival in Ovar (Portugal), to be held from 27 February to 08 March 2026.

This call is open to emerging early music ensembles of 2 to 5 members. The selected ensemble will undertake an artistic residency at Museu Júlio Dinis – Uma Casa Ovarense, mentored by artists who are part of the Festival’s programme, to prepare and present a concert programme within the Festival. Ensembles may also propose activities with the local community during the residency days.

The artistic residency will take place from 02 to 07 March. The final concert will be on 07 March 2026 at 16:00.

1. Conditions

The grant to be awarded includes:

1.1 Financial support of €1,500.00, paid upon presentation of an invoice/receipt;

1.2 Accommodation in individual rooms during the artistic residency period (02 to 08 March 2026);

1.3 Meals during the artistic residency period and on the concert day (02 to 07 March 2026);

1.4 Technical support required for open rehearsals and public presentations;

1.5 Travel expenses will not be covered by the Festival organization.

2. Requirements

2.1 The ensemble must have between 2 and 5 members. Each member must have been born after 1 January 1995;

2.2 Applications must be submitted via online form, including: applicant identification; a synopsis of the proposal to be developed during the artistic residency; a proposed concert programme; and a video recording of up to 10 minutes;

2.3 Applications will be evaluated with regard to: CVs of the ensemble members; artistic quality of the proposal; innovative character and/or distinguishing features of the proposal;

2.4 The jury is composed of the mentor artists and the artistic direction of the Festival;

2.5 The application will only be considered valid if the documentation listed in 2.2 is complete and after receipt of a confirmation email from the organisation.

3. Deadlines

3.1 Proposals may be submitted until 09 November 2025 (inclusive);

3.2 Results will be communicated individually by email by 16 November 2025. The selected ensemble will have 3 working days to accept the offer and sign a commitment contract.