about

DeVIR, association of cultural activities, has been active since 1994. It was formalised in 1996 and has been supported by the Portuguese Government, through its arts support programmes, since 1997. Over the last 31 years, it has invested in dynamic programmes and activities, working closely with communities.

in 1994, DeVIR launched the ‘a sul’ International Contemporary Dance Festival. In its 10 editions, there have been creators from Portugal, Spain, Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, India, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Argentina, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey and Japan.

in 2001, the association founded CAPa, Algarve Performing Arts Centre (Faro), a multidisciplinary structure without resident creators, dedicated to supporting creation. CAPa’s main activity is the Artistic Creation Residency Programme, which welcomes national and international creators throughout the year. At the same time, the center has been developing a range of activities, such as programming seasons of performances, workshops and co-productions with other similar structures. It also frequently welcomes proposals from the local artistic community and develops training programmes in different areas, aimed at the general public, children and young people. Within this framework, in 2010 DeVIR launched VALADOS, a training programme in the areas of performance. 

since 2003, CAPa has been a partner of European networks, including the IDEE and modul-dance projects. It is also a founding member of EDN – European Dancehouse Network, with the status of European dance house.

in 2012, DeVIR meetings was launched, a festival focused on the territory and on social and environmental issues, drawing parallels with other realities and geographies, involving the local community and a group of prominent national and international creators in the areas of performing arts, image, literature and social sciences.

between 2021 and 2023, developed the community project DeVIR in Horta da Areia with the support of the Partis & Art for Change Programme, promoted by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the ‘la Caixa’ Foundation.

nowadays is preparing the 1st edition of the advanced training in Performing Arts | DeVIR meetings, interpretation and creation in theatre&dance, scheduled for January to July 2026.