LEME PRO 2024

Join us in Ílhavo, Portugal, for LEME 2024, a festival dedicated to contemporary circus and artistic creation in unconventional spaces. This year’s professional journey (5 - 7 December) promises to be an enriching experience, spotlighting cutting-edge performances, innovative projects, and thought-provoking professional sessions. LEME is set to be the key professional encounter for circus and outdoor arts in Portugal, offering close connections with European trends and innovation.

The festival will showcase a range of performances that highlight personal narratives on stage, where artists bring deeply personal stories to life, offering a unique and intimate look into their experiences and perspectives. One of the key features is the Hand to Hand cooperation project, which explores the power of social ecology through performances that emphasize human connections and environmental sustainability. These acts will provide a thought-provoking look at how circus arts can reflect and influence our relationship with the environment and each other. Additionally, the BETA CIRCUS project will present a participatory circus experience, inviting the audience to engage directly with the artists and the act itself. This interactive approach aims to break down the barriers between performer and spectator, creating a shared experience that is both dynamic and inclusive. The Outdoor Arts Portugal Showcase 2024 will also be a highlight, featuring groundbreaking performances from across Portugal that push the boundaries of outdoor arts. The Navegar section will spotlight emerging creators from Portuguese circus schools, providing a platform for new talent to shine.

The professional sessions during this journey will cover a range of topics vital to the contemporary circus and outdoor arts community. Sessions on "Art in public space and social wellbeing" will delve into how art transforms public spaces and enhances community wellbeing, while "Artistic creation and place(s)-making: humanizing the common space" will explore the role of artistic creation in fostering inclusive and vibrant public spaces, anticipating the connection of arts in public space with Placemaking strategies. Another session, "Circus and social ecology: a prosperous and sustainable relationship?" will examine the intersections of circus arts and social ecology, discussing their potential for sustainable development. Finally, "The future of outdoor arts: exploring emerging trends and challenges" will provide insights into the latest trends and challenges facing the outdoor arts sector.

In addition, there will be a Creative Europe info session where participants can learn about opportunities and support available through the Creative Europe programme of the European Union. Over the course of the festival, there will be ample networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with peers, artists, and industry leaders. Special events and a unique closing party will round out the festival, providing moments of celebration and reflection on the shared experiences and learning.