LEME PRO 2026 proposes three days to reflect on contemporary artistic creation
From 3 to 5 December, LEME PRO returns to Ílhavo (Portugal) for three days of reflection, exchange and discovery around contemporary circus and artistic creation in public space. Registration is now open, with free access to the conference and networking programme, alongside different PRO PASS options for those wishing to experience the festival in full.
Under the motto “performing instability, expanding presence”, LEME PRO 2026 brings together artists, programmers, curators, producers, researchers and cultural organisations to discuss some of the transformations currently shaping contemporary artistic creation. Time as artistic material and a condition for creation, the tension between artistic and institutional rhythms, digital transformation, new dramaturgies and evolving relationships with audiences are at the heart of a programme connecting contemporary circus and artistic creation for public space.
Across three days, the programme combines conferences, debates, project presentations, works in progress and informal opportunities to meet and exchange. The CIRCUS FORUM opens a reflection on contemporary circus today, exploring the relationships between time, body and transformation while examining the different rhythms of creation, production and circulation. Technological transformation also enters the discussion through a keynote by Maja Kuzmanovic of FoAM, dedicated to digital ecologies and the future of artistic creation for public space.
The programme’s international dimension continues through IN SITU, the European platform for artistic creation in public space, with a conversation around a residency project and the sharing of a creative process still in development. The OUTDOOR ARTS PORTUGAL Showcase presents projects by emerging artists to international programmers, curators and professionals, creating new opportunities for visibility, circulation and collaboration.
On the final day, OUTDOOR ARTS PORTUGAL Talks focuses on artistic creation for public space in times of digital transition. Alexis Nys of Lieux publics, Judita Strumilaitė of SPOT Festival and Sho Shibata of Outdoor Arts UK come together to discuss how festivals and cultural networks are responding to technological acceleration, digital mediation and new forms of social interaction.
The professional programme takes place in direct dialogue with LEME, offering participants the opportunity to experience some of the artistic works that embody the questions explored throughout the discussions. Bringing together Portuguese premieres, creation support projects, emerging artists and international works, the LEME PRO journey connects critical thinking, artistic practice and professional exchange.
LEME is a festival dedicated to contemporary circus and artistic creation in non-conventional spaces, promoted by Bússola in partnership with 23 Milhas – Municipality of Ílhavo. The 2026 edition of LEME PRO is supported by the Portuguese Republic – Culture, Youth and Sport, through the Directorate-General for the Arts, the European Union, Pro Helvetia and the Government of Flanders.
Two ways to participate
Regular registration is free and provides access to LEME PRO conferences, debates, professional sessions and networking opportunities, subject to prior registration and venue capacity.
For those wishing to experience the professional programme alongside the festival, daily PRO PASS and 3-day PRO PASS options are available. In addition to access to the professional programme, these passes include tickets to the performances included in each day’s PRO itinerary and meals at the festival catering area, providing a continuous experience connecting professional exchange with artistic creation.
More information and registration: lemefestival.pt/pro
Contact: [email protected]
