Stretch travels to Skopje, North Macedonia, for a new edition presented as part of Dance Fest Skopje.
Bringing together artists, cultural professionals, journalists, producers and organisations, the programme creates space for practical learning, open discussion and meaningful exchange across the dance and wider cultural sector.
About this edition
The Stretch 2026 programme explores how artists can present their work, develop relationships with the press, connect with peers, build collective campaigns, approach touring and understand international funding and cooperation.
Across a series of panels, workshops, movement sessions and networking activities, participants are invited to share knowledge, make connections and consider new ways of developing and sustaining their creative practice.
Programme
Let’s Talk About YOU
Panel: Artists’ self-presentation and cultivating a relationship with the press
How can artists communicate their work clearly and confidently? This panel considers self-presentation, working with journalists and developing more meaningful relationships with the press.
Contributors
Ines Carvalho
Co-founder of Stretch, PR and Communications Specialist
Carmelo Zapparata
Journalist
Speed Meeting
Networking session
A structured networking session designed to help participants meet new people, introduce their work and begin conversations across different areas of the cultural sector.
Facilitated by
Bernardo Queiros
Co-founder of Stretch, Creative Consultant
Morning Stretch: An Invitation to Move
A shared movement session offering participants an active and welcoming start to the programme.
Led by
Nadja Lukanovska
Artist
Diagonal Lab
Workshop: Building a Collective Marketing Campaign
A practical workshop exploring how artists and cultural professionals can work together to shape and develop a collective marketing campaign.
Facilitated by
Ines Carvalho
Co-founder of Stretch, PR and Communications Specialist
Bernardo Queiros
Co-founder of Stretch, Creative Consultant
Touring Step-by-Step
Panel: Diffusion and touring for artists, and presenting work to programmers
This session looks at the process of touring artistic work, from developing relationships and approaching programmers to understanding how work is presented within different contexts.
Contributors
Risima Risimkin
Choreographer, Artistic Advisor of Dance Fest Skopje and Artistic Director of Skopje Dance Theater
Michael Peter Johnson
Creative Producer
Fundraising, Artist Mobility and European Cooperation
A panel exploring funding opportunities, international mobility and collaboration across Europe.
The conversation brings together perspectives from cultural project management, European funding and independent dance organisations.
Contributors
Biljana Prentovska
Creative Europe Desk Macedonia
Atanas Maev
Co-founder and Artistic Director of Derida Dance Center
Marija Popovic-Zmaja
Economist and Cultural Project Manager
Venue
MKC – Youth Cultural Centre
15 MK, Dimitar Vlahov Walk
1000 Skopje
North Macedonia
Need additional support?
For questions about the programme or access requirements, contact:
