A Space for Experimentation: Laboratórios de Verão Invite Artistic Project Proposals

With the aim of supporting local artistic creation, gnration (Braga), CAAA Centre for Art and Architecture Affairs (Guimarães) and Solar – Cinematic Art Gallery (Vila do Conde) are launching the twelfth edition of the Summer Laboratories. The programme has €8,000 to distribute among four new projects by artists or collectives who are either from or reside in the district of Braga and the municipality of Vila do Conde.

Submit your application here

Application deadline 6 April

Winners announced 11 May

More information at gnration.pt, centroaaa.org or solar.curtas.pt

This initiative is addressed to individual artists and collectives who are residents or natives of the District of Braga and the Municipality of Vila do Conde. It is intended for those proposing the development of original artistic work in the fields of image, sound, video, interactivity, music, dance, or at the intersection of these disciplines.

Through an open call, the Summer Laboratories programme invites proposals for projects to be developed between July and August 2026 across the three partner venues. The resulting works will be presented to the public at the following locations and dates: from 4 to 12 September 2026 at gnration; from 5 December 2026 to 30 January 2027 at Solar; and from 1 to 29 May 2027 at CAAA.

The Summer Laboratories programme provides each selected project with financial support of €2,000 (VAT included), along with technical and production assistance for the realisation of the work, curatorial guidance, and the opportunity to present the project at LAC – Laboratório de Actividades Criativas (Lagos). A total of four projects will be supported, representing an overall allocation of €8,000.

To apply, candidates must submit: a detailed description of the artistic proposal; an outline of the logistical, technical and production requirements; the author’s or collective’s biography and portfolio; proof of residence in the District of Braga or the Municipality of Vila do Conde (if the applicant is not a native of these territories); and a formal statement confirming the commitment to develop the project at the facilities of gnration, CAAA or Solar.

Applications must be submitted via the online application form available at gnration.pt, centroaaa.org or solar.curtas.pt. Applications are open until 6 April, and the selected projects will be announced on 11 May.

The jury for the programme comprises Luís Fernandes (Artistic Director, gnration, Braga), Maria Luís Neiva (Artistic Director, CAAA, Guimarães), Nuno Rodrigues (Artistic Director, Solar – Galeria de Arte Cinemática, Vila do Conde) and João Terras (Curator).

Summer Laboratories 2026 is an initiative promoted by gnration (Braga), CAAA – Centre for Art and Architecture Affairs (Guimarães) and Solar – Galeria de Arte Cinemática (Vila do Conde), in partnership with LAC – Laboratório de Actividades Criativas (Lagos). The programme is applying for support from the Portuguese Republic – Culture / Directorate-General for the Arts (DGARTES) under the RPAC funding scheme. Should the application not be approved under the RPAC programme, the selected projects will be developed exclusively at gnration.