April is the month of the VAGABUNDAS in Mina São Domingos.

VAGABUNDAS 2026 — Fourth edition reinforces female-led creation starting from the Mina de São Domingos

The VAGABUNDAS – Mercedes Blasco Artistic Residencies Open Call took place during February 2026, marking the fourth edition of this program promoted by the Cepa Torta Company.

With the support of the Mértola Municipal Council and in partnership with the Serrão Martins Foundation and Rua das Gaivotas 6, the project aims to promote artistic creation by women, linking it to practices of cultural decentralization in territories affected by desertification processes.

The 2026 edition received 39 applications , confirming the growth and relevance of the program in the performing arts landscape in Portugal. The jury, composed of Catarina Requeijo , Laura Lopes , and Inês Achando , highlighted the quality and diversity of the proposals submitted.

The artists selected were Maria Antunes , with the project “NINFA” (provisional title) , and Rita Westwood , with “pranto. descanso. lamento. descanso” . Both will develop their works during a residency at Mina de S. Domingos, in the municipality of Mértola, between April 6 and May 6, 2026 .

The program includes opportunities for sharing with the public, namely a workshop open to the community on April 11th , and public presentations on May 3rd at Mina de S. Domingos, and on May 9th in Lisbon, at Rua das Gaivotas 6.

Through this initiative, VAGABUNDAS reinforces its commitment to valuing women's creative work and to artistic development in dialogue with the territory and local communities.

Learn more about this project on our website: https://www.cepatorta.org/residencias