Lusitanian Music Publishing, with support from Mermaids & Albatrosses Digital Distribution & Fundação GDA, plus production assistance by Scarlet Bloom, announces an Open Call for an international artist residency in Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Portugal, March 22nd-28th 2026.
For one week, 6 Portuguese and 6 International Artists will work on making new music together, inspired by the “Sounds of Côa”.
The valley is famous for its significance in human cultural history, where 25.000 year old paleolithic engravings showcase the importance of artistic expression for human life ever since.
You will get to know the musical fauna and flora of the Côa region through the Ambassadorship of Vasco Ribeiro Casais, a.k.a. OMIRI and find plenty of opportunity for inspiration in both nature and collaboration.
Artists will be welcome from March 22nd and have 4-6 days of jointly working on new music at the Cultural Centre of Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
With the „Act in Synch“-Conference happening nearby, you will have the opportunity to share and showcase your work(s) with international music supervisors and industry representatives from different labels and publishers.
A special objective during your residence is putting together a band and musical programme to perform at the “Wolf Ball”. The dinner & concert closing the “Act in Synch IV” Conference will take place March 28th. It aims to raise funds for Rewilding Portugal, who are working on the re-introduction of the Iberian Wolf into the eco-system. More information about Act in Synch at the website www.actinsynch.com. Act in Synch is part of the Europe in Synch project: www.europeinsynch.net.
All unpublished writers/composers will celebrate a publishing deal with Mermaids & Albatrosses Lda. (SUISA Member Publisher) for their % contributions to new compositions, as well as a record deal for distribution of the resulting WOLF BALL live concert. This will ensure that new works are 100% published and we are able to synch license the results via Europe in Synch and other avenues.
Shuttles from OPO Porto Airport, meals and accommodation will be provided. (Please also look to Culture Moves Europe and/or your local export office for your travel support.)
Please find the application form on this link: https://forms.gle/W4VgMj9GiscUJR159
Deadline: 5 PM March 13th 2026.