The open calls, foreseen in the Évora_27 Bid Book, are opportunities for artists, associations, institutions and communities, from Alentejo and from abroad, to be part of the artistic program of Évora 2027 – European Capital of Culture. They aim to encourage dialogue, collaboration and inclusion, with a view to the cultural and social coevolution of the Alentejo region. Projects are expected that establish dialogues with the concept of Vagar, that deepen relationships between tradition and experimentation, that promote diversity and inclusion, that stimulate citizen participation and that contribute to a fairer and more prosperous future for all people.

They will give stage to new ideas, narratives and approaches that value cultural diversity, promote sustainability, cooperation, interdisciplinarity and intersectorality.

The concept of Vagar, which guides Évora_27, is rooted in Alentejo’s identity. It invites awareness and connection between human beings, nature, and the universe, promoting balance between past and future, individual and collective, tradition and innovation. In a region marked by a gentle pace of life and strong ties to the land and community, Vagar proposes a more harmonious and sustainable model of coexistence. It is an invitation to slow down, to listen, and to reflect – in contrast to the excessive speed of contemporary life.

The first is titled “Our Voice” and has a budget of 400 thousand euros.

Conceived by the Artistic Direction of Évora_27 and coordinated by choreographer and programmer Madalena Victorino, the Open Call “Our Voice” is aimed at the eighteen school clusters of Central Alentejo and the two private educational institutions in Évora. Including stages of mapping, creation, artistic experimentation, and curatorship, “Our Voice” engages school communities in an active process of participation, inside and outside schools, entirely discussed, reflected upon, and defined by students of all educational levels.

The results of the projects developed will become part of the official artistic program of Évora 2027 – European Capital of Culture. This call applies to the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 academic years.

The deadline is November 30, 2025.

A second open call is titled "Our Turn" and has a budget of €1 million.

“Our Turn” is an open call aimed at artists, associations, and cultural agents from the Alentejo region, encompassing all artistic fields, and arts and crafts of the region. The general eligibility requirements for this open call stipulate that projects must have an European dimension and involve the collaboration and co-production of cultural associations and/or national and international artists. The selected projects will become part of the official artistic program of Évora 2027 – European Capital of Culture.

Target audience: Artists and cultural associations based in Central Alentejo and other subregions of Alentejo; artists from Alentejo who are not currently residing in the region

The deadline is January 10, 2026.

For information and regulations, you can download the tender notices here.