Call out! Skåne International Residency Programme (for circus)

Portugal Residency 2026

In partnership with LEME Festival, Portugal

Applications open: 4 August 2026

Application deadline: 31 August 2026, 23:59 CET

Residency: 24 November – 6 December 2026

About the Programme

The Skåne International Circus Residency Programme is a new international mobility initiative developed by Cirkus Syd to strengthen artistic exchange between Skåne and Europe.

Each year, the programme partners with leading European festivals, residency centres and circus organisations to create opportunities for artists based in Skåne to work internationally while welcoming European artists to Skåne through reciprocal exchanges.

By supporting artistic mobility, research and international collaboration, the programme aims to strengthen the circus ecosystem in Skåne and contribute to the region's growing role as a leading hub for contemporary circus in Europe. The programme is supported by Region Skåne.

Portugal Residency 2026

For its first international exchange, Cirkus Syd is partnering with LEME Festival in Ílhavo, Portugal.

One to two artists based in Skåne will be selected for a twelve-day residency combining dedicated artistic research with participation in LEME PRO, the festival's professional programme for artists, presenters and international circus organisations.

The residency is designed as a space for exploration, experimentation and exchange. It is an opportunity to step away from everyday production, immerse yourself in a new environment and connect with colleagues from across Europe. A finished performance is not expected.

Residency Schedule

24 November Arrival in Portugal.

25 November – 2 December Artistic residency with 24-hour access to a shared studio.

3 December Move to festival accommodation.

3–5 December Participation in LEME PRO, including performances, talks, networking events and professional meetings.

6 December Return travel.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be professionally active circus artists or interdisciplinary artists working with circus.

• Be based in Skåne, Sweden.

• Be available for the full residency period.

• Have a strong interest in artistic development and international exchange.

Artists at different stages of their careers are welcome to apply.

What Is Included?

Selected artists will receive:

• Round-trip travel between Sweden and Portugal.

• Per diem for the trips duration

• 10 000 sek production funds

• Accommodation throughout the residency.

• Access to a shared studio space.

• Accreditation to LEME PRO.

• Local support from the hosting organisation.
  

We Are Looking For...

We are looking for artists who are curious, motivated and interested in using the residency as a space for artistic exploration, reflection, experimentation and international exchange.

Whether you are at the beginning of a new idea or looking to deepen an existing artistic process, we encourage you to apply.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• A short artist biography (max. 300 words)

• A motivation letter (max. 500 words) describing:

  • why you would like to participate,

  • what you hope to explore during the residency,

  • and how you think this experience will contribute to your artistic practice.

• Portfolio or links to previous work (video, website, etc.)

• Send application to info@cirkussyd.com and label the email SIRP 2026
  

Application deadline: 4th Sept 2026, 23:59 CET Selection

Applications will be reviewed by a small panel consisting of representatives from Cirkus Syd, LEME Festival.

Selection will be based on:

• Artistic practice and quality.

• Motivation.

• Openness to artistic exploration and exchange.

• Potential benefit of the residency for the artist's continued development.

Selected artists will be notified by16th Sept 2026.

About Cirkus Syd

Cirkus Syd is an international circus organisation based in Lund, Sweden, working to strengthen contemporary circus through artistic development, international collaboration and audience engagement.

Through festivals, residencies, leadership programmes and artistic partnerships, Cirkus Syd connects artists, audiences and organisations across Europe while contributing to the long-term development of the circus sector in southern Sweden. About Leme Festival The LEME Festival 2026 takes place from December 3 to 6, 2026, in Ílhavo, Portugal. It is a contemporary circus and artistic creation festival held in unconventional spaces, organized by 23 Milhas and Bússola. The forcus of the festival is contemporary circus, public space interventions, and professional reflection.

Questions?

Lina B. Frank Circus Director & International Coordinator Cirkus Syd

✉️ lina@cirkussyd.com 📞 +46 (0)738 708 262 Image by Love Kjellsson for ENT's new performance STALKAS which had a residency at Cirkus Syd in December 2025.

In partnership with Leme Festival.

With support from Region Skåne.