DRIFT – Dance & Research in the Future Time (2026–2029) is a four-year European project that supports choreographers at a pivotal moment in their careers: when their work begins to consolidate and circulate internationally.
More than a support programme, DRIFT proposes a sustained working framework that combines laboratories, residencies, co-productions and international touring, with the aim of strengthening both the artistic development and the production and outreach capacities of participating artists. Mercat de les Flors and Graner take part jointly as partners, forming part of an international network of leading contemporary dance institutions. Within this context, Mercat positions itself as an active node in the generation, support and international visibility of new choreographic practices across Europe.
The choreographer Paloma Muñoz participates in the first wave of the project with the support of Mercat de les Flors and el Graner. The second wave artist will be selected through an open call during 2026.
The 4 Goals:
– Labs & Residencies: Each choreographer receives dedicated support for their research phase and showcase, including an overall budget covering associated costs, as well as access to studios, mentors, and peer exchange across the network.
– International Showcases: Twice per cycle, artists share works in progress with programmers and audiences from around the world. There’s no competition and no verdict: just an open window into the creative process.
– Co-production & Touring: Ten projects receive coproduction support and a guaranteed tour across the DRIFT network, taking them from research to the stage with the infrastructure needed to sustain their work.
– Festival Empowerment: Each partner venue organises “DRIFT Days”: festival-based events that open studio doors to local communities through talks, workshops, and open rehearsals. Over time, festivals become laboratories rather than just showcases.
Partners:
Théâtre de Liège (Belgium, project lead), Maison de la Danse (France), Onassis Stegi (Greece), Mercat de les Flors-Graner (Spain), BIT Teatergarasjen (Norway), HAU/Tanz im August (Germany), Short Theatre (Italy), Materiais Diversos (Portugal), Al Badil (Tunisia) and Ukrainian Dance Platform (Ukraine); as well as associated partners for international dissemination such as Red Brick House (Japan), Panorama Festival (Brazil) and Kinani Festival (Mozambique).
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