Open Call “Nodus 2026”: Contemporary Dance Artistic Residency in Sant Mateu (Castelló)
From July 23 to 31, 2026
Fundació Caixa Castelló – City Council of Sant Mateu. In collaboration with Diputació de Castelló
Access all materials for download here: Nodus 2026
This project is designed to promote, expand, and innovate the contemporary dance repertoire for dancers from around the world, of all nationalities and ages. Through culture, the activity aims to artistically connect the Castelló region, thanks to the collaboration between Fundació Caixa Castelló, the City Council of Sant Mateu, and Diputación de Castelló.
Once the selection is completed, a dance artistic residency will take place from July 23 to 31, 2026 in Sant Mateu, coordinated by choreographer Toni Aparisi and Alfredo Llopico, cultural technician at Fundació Caixa Castelló, with the support of the City Council staff.
Participation Conditions
- Covered expenses: travel (according to conditions), accommodation in Sant Mateu with full board during the residency
- Insurance: each participant must provide a copy of their health insurance. The organization will cover liability insurance
- Accommodation: La Perdi (https://laperdi.es) in full board, shared double room
- Travel support: for national participants. For international participants, proportional support will be provided according to origin
- Transport: collective transport from Castelló (round trip)
Applications and Documentation
- Deadline: May 25, 2026
- Selection notification: June 1, 2026
- Submission: cultura@fundacioncajacastellon.es
- Include:
- Short CV
- Recent photograph
- Contact information (address, email, phone, ID/passport)
- Food intolerances, allergies, or health considerations to be taken into account
- Link or video of a choreographic piece, either solo or group
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered
Artistic Residency
- Selected participants: 6 primary + 6 alternates
- Workspaces: unconventional, with dance flooring and technical adaptation for the final presentation
- Pre-residency online session: with Toni Aparisi and Alfredo Llopico to plan the creative process
- Public presentation: July 31, Auditorio Municipal de Sant Mateu
- Audiovisual recording: of the final presentation for social media dissemination
Creative Process
- Duration: daily sessions of 5-6 hours
- Collective work: each participant will develop an individual piece with collaboration from others
- Option to perform: performing one’s own piece is not mandatory
- Number of performers per piece: 6 or 7 if the author participates
- Creative freedom: no restriction on duration or technique; it is recommended to include elements linked to Sant Mateu and the Maestrat region
- Methodology: indicate if material from oneself, other performers, or a combination will be used
- Minimum duration of the piece: 5-10 minutes
- Other elements: theatrical, gestural, or performative aspects may be integrated
Extra activity (separate from individual creative process):
One day will be dedicated to community work based on elements of local dance, aiming to create fusion proposals with the Ball Pla of Sant Mateu. This collective dance, mainly performed during patron saint festivals, processions, and popular celebrations, is a symbol of community cohesion and local tradition. Although its execution is more sober than other festive dances, such as the jota, it holds high heritage value, preserving the cultural identity of Sant Mateu and the Maestrat region.
