Three artistic entities of the Algarve were contemplated with financial support under the theater contest of the Sustained Support Program 2025/2026 (Dgartes). However, the available global amount of 10.08 million euros was not enough to cover all applications that scored more than 60%, leaving 15 projects without financing.
Among the Algarve entities that will receive support is the Acta – the Algarve Theater Company, based in Faro, which obtained a financing of 480,000 euros for strategic mediation actions. In addition to the minutes, the ENLAMA – Cultural Association, with 360,000 euros for training, and JAT – Collective Window Open Theater – Cultural Association, which will receive 240,000 euros for creation were also supported.
Results confirm geographical distribution
The final results of the contest, released on Friday, January 31, on the official website of Dgartes, confirm the provisional data announced on December 3, 2024. The amount available for the theater increased by 68% over the previous cycle (2023 /2024), but it was not enough to support all eligible applications. Of the 58 candidacies admitted, 33 were approved, representing 58% of the total.
In the Algarve, in addition to minutes, ENLAMA and JAT – Collective Window Open Theater, other entities saw their recognized projects. The geographical distribution of support shows that Greater Lisbon and North lead, with 11 applications supported each, followed by the Center and the Algarve, with three supports each.
Of the 33 approved candidacies, 26 are from the area of creation, six of the strategic actions of mediation and the only formation is Algarve.
Global financing and sector contestation
The Dgartes 2025/2026 Sustained Support Program, which covers six artistic areas (theater, disciplinary crossing, street and circus arts, visual arts, dance, music and opera and programming projects), has a global value of 35.6 Millions of euros. This amount represents a reinforcement of 15 million euros compared to the previous cycle (2023/2024).
In 2022, the then Minister of Culture announced an increase in the overall amount of contests from 81.3 to 148 million euros, but the reinforcement was only the quadrennial mode, leaving out dozens of structures in the biennial mode. This decision has generated contestation by various sector associations, which organized petitions and demonstrations in front of Parliament.
In the Algarve, culture plays a relevant role in tourism and the local economy. Acta and other regional entities have developed projects that contribute to the cultural offer of the region.
The 2025/2026 Sustained Support Program Theater Contest opened in May and ended in July 2024, with a global value of 35.6 million euros for projects to be carried out between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2026 .
Also read:
