On October 2, 2026, Patricia del Pozo, the Minister of Culture, Historical Heritage, and Sport of the Junta de Andalucía, introduced the new Andalusian festival of dance, theater, and circus named 'Sur Escena' at the Teatro de las Cocheras in Huelva. This festival will take place throughout October in all eight provincial capitals of Andalusia, showcasing contemporary stage creation from the region.
Del Pozo noted that the program includes 23 artistic and exhibition proposals and 38 performances, featuring 21 companies and projects. Activities will be held in theaters, museums, cultural centers, and public spaces across the eight provinces.
During the event, attended by Huelva's mayor, Pilar Miranda, the president of the Port Authority of Huelva, Alberto Santana, and the government delegate of the Junta, Berta Centeno, Del Pozo stated that the festival aims to give an Andalusian dimension to the start of the performing arts season, enhancing visibility for significant contemporary creations in the community.
Del Pozo, accompanied by numerous participating artists, the director of the Teatro Central in Seville, Elena Carmona, and the director of the Andalusian Institute of Performing Arts and Music, Violeta Hernández, described the initiative as a way to connect theaters with museums and cultural spaces, bringing local talent closer to the public.
She also highlighted the ministry's ongoing support for the creation and promotion of performing arts, noting a 30% increase in the budget for incentives for performing arts and music, rising from €2 million in 2025 to nearly €2.6 million in 2026. This marks the highest funding for performing arts incentives in the history of Andalusia.
Additionally, the funding has been redesigned to be more balanced and better suited to the realities of the cultural sector, responding to the needs of professionals and companies.
Mayor Pilar Miranda emphasized that the festival represents more than just a calendar of events; it embodies a cultural philosophy. She asserted that a community that invests in culture is more vibrant, open, and attractive, contributing to a better quality of life.
Miranda stated, "For us, culture is not reserved for a select few. It is a right, a means of social cohesion, and an investment that generates development, employment, economic activity, and a sense of belonging. We are committed to providing Huelva with a stable, diverse program for all audiences throughout the year."
President Alberto Santana expressed pride in hosting the festival's presentation and collaborating with the Junta to bring culture closer to the city, enhancing the relationship between the port and Huelva.
'Sur Escena' aims to mark the beginning of the performing arts season in Andalusia through a shared program across the eight provinces, facilitating the movement of creators and companies. The festival will also feature an exhibition dedicated to the Málaga-based company El Espejo Negro, which has been active since 1989.
The programming will take place in various locations, including the Centro Andaluz de la Fotografía and Plaza Pablo Cazard in Almería; the Provincial Museum and Provincial Library in Jaén; and the Museum of Málaga, which will host 'site-specific' performances. Huelva and Córdoba will have specific programs at venues such as Las Cocheras del Puerto and the Sala Polifemo of the Teatro Góngora, respectively. Cádiz will host events at the Teatro de la Tía Norica and Plaza de San Antonio as part of the FIT de Cádiz.
The festival will also kick off at the Teatro Central in Seville, the Teatro Alhambra in Granada, and the Teatro Cánovas in Málaga, starting with the premiere of 'La pastilla de la felicidad' by the Málaga-based company La Coracha.
Del Pozo reiterated that 'Sur Escena' is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Culture to promote the creation, circulation, and exhibition of performing arts. This includes annual artistic residency programs and funding for the promotion of music and performing arts, with a total budget of nearly €2.6 million, reflecting a 78.6% increase since 2023.
The ministry has also developed 136 artistic and technical proposals since 2023, alongside initiatives like the 'Maneras de Hacer' cycle, which features national and international companies. The Andalusian Network of Public Theaters, which has grown to 75 municipalities in 2026, facilitates professional programming beyond provincial capitals.
Since 2018, the agency's contribution to this program has increased by 42%, from €813,700 to €1.18 million, supporting fairs, markets, and festivals to enhance the visibility and circulation of Andalusian companies.
