Stretch travels to Skopje, North Macedonia, for a new edition presented as part of Dance Fest Skopje 2026.
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.
Across two days, Stretch 2026 programme explored how artists can present their work, develop relationships with the press, connect with peers, approach touring, rethink their marketing and – most important – foster meaningful connections both locally and internationally.
Through a series of panel discussions, workshops, movement sessions and networking activities, participants were invited to share knowledge, create new connections and think about new ways of developing and sustaining their creative practice.
Programme
Let’s Talk About YOU: Artists’ self-presentation and cultivating a relationship with the press
Panel discussion
How can artists communicate their work clearly and confidently? This panel considers self-presentation, working with journalists and developing more meaningful relationships with press.
Contributors
Carmelo Zapparata
Journalist and Dance Critic
Moderated by
Ines Carvalho
Co-founder of Stretch, PR and Communications Consultant (Diagonal)
Afternoon Stretch! Networking & Speed Meetings
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
Movement session
A gentle morning movement session offering participants an active and welcoming start to the second day of the programme.
Facilitated by
Nadja Lukanovska
Dance Artist
Diagonal Lab: Building a Collective Marketing Campaign
Professional Development Workshop
A practical session following Diagonal’s signature Professional Development 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 Consultant (Diagonal)
Bernardo Queiros
Co-founder of Stretch, Creative Consultant (Diagonal, BQ)
Michael Peter Johnson
Creative Producer
Touring Step-by-Step: Diffusion for artists and presenting work to programmers
Panel discussion
This panel discussion looks at the process of touring artistic work, from developing relationships and approaching programmers to understanding how work is presented within different contexts, from local to the international landscape.
Contributors
Risima Risimkin
Choreographer, Artistic Advisor of Dance Fest Skopje and Artistic Director of Skopje Dance Theater
Moderated by
Michael Peter Johnson
Creative Producer
Fundraising, Artist Mobility and European Cooperation
Panel discussion
A panel exploring funding opportunities, international mobility and collaboration across Europe. This 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
Moderated by
Bernardo Queiros
Co-founder of Stretch, Creative Consultant (Diagonal, BQ)
Venue
MKC – Youth Cultural Centre, Skopje
