MATE Festival

The MATE Festival is an international platform for music, art, technology and education, based in Portugal, operating at the intersection of artistic creation, professional development and cultural exchange. Since its creation in 2016, MATE has been dedicated to fostering dialogue between territories, particularly in the Ibero-American context, connecting artists, professionals and audiences from the Iberian Peninsula, Latin America and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The festival is structured as a hybrid space that combines artistic programming with professional and educational activities. Its programme includes showcases of emerging and established artists, concerts, immersive sound experiences, artistic residencies and interactive installations, as well as workshops, talks, panels and networking sessions designed to support professional development and international circulation.

A central component of MATE is its commitment to emerging artists. Through an open call process, combined with curatorial invitations, selected projects are integrated into a structured development programme that includes mentoring, professional presentation and follow-up opportunities. This approach ensures that participation in the festival extends beyond performance, contributing to the long-term growth and sustainability of artistic careers.

MATE also places great emphasis on accessibility, inclusion and audience development. A significant part of the programme is free of charge and designed to engage local communities, offering mediation activities, workshops and participatory experiences that invite audiences to interact with artistic processes. Particular attention is given to inclusive practices, ensuring the active participation of people with disabilities and underrepresented groups.

Technology plays a cross-cutting role throughout the programme, not only as a tool but also as a creative medium. The festival integrates digital practices, sound experimentation and interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging new forms of artistic expression and audience engagement.

More than a festival, MATE functions as a platform for connection and transformation. It builds bridges between local and international contexts, strengthens cultural networks and contributes to the development of a more connected and sustainable creative ecosystem. By fostering collaboration, innovation and exchange, MATE positions itself as a relevant player in the contemporary cultural landscape, promoting music and the arts as catalysts for social and cultural development.