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The XXVII ExpressArte – Meeting of Artistic Expressions takes place between 13 and 20 May 2026, under the theme ‘Paths’, reinforcing its commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities in the arts and cultural life. For more than two decades, the festival has been affirming itself as a space of creation, participation and reflection, where diversity is assumed as a central value.

The 2026 edition invites reflection on the paths already taken and the challenges that persist, proposing a program that crosses artistic creation, training and critical thinking, distributed in various spaces of Setúbal and Palmela. All events are free to enter and take place in spaces accessible to people with restricted mobility.

One of the central moments of the festival is the Mostra da Casa, which opens the program on May 13, at 6:30 pm, at the Luísa Todi Municipal Forum, in Setúbal, returning also on May 20, at 2 pm, at Cine-Teatro S. João, in Palmela. This project results from a continuous process of artistic training developed in CACI (Activity and Training Center for Inclusion) by Passos e Compassos, culminating in a collective presentation that reflects a journey made together, respecting the individual rhythm of each participant.

The Mostra da Casa is a moment of sharing that highlights the importance of collaborative work in inclusive artistic creation.

Another highlight of the programme is the show at Teatro Puzzle, presented on 17 May at 4 p.m. at CAPCI – Centro Sónia Rio (APPACDM) in Setúbal. Inspired by Fernando Pessoa’s idea of ‘Ir é ser’, the project proposes a journey through unexpected paths, where artistic language asserts itself as a space for encounter, freedom and communication without barriers.

On the musical side, the festival hosts The Ziguais concert on 16 May at 3 p.m. at CAPCI – Centro Sónia Rio (APPACDM) in Setúbal. The band of APPDA Lisboa, active since 2002, presents a diverse repertoire that crosses originals and versions, in a show marked by improvisation and the exploration of non-verbal forms of communication.

The programme also includes the sensory photographic exhibition ‘Beyond Reflection’ (14 to 31 May at CAPCI – Centro Sónia Rio), shows, meetings and initiatives promoting dialogue between artists, institutions and the community. There are also moments of public reflection on cultural rights, inclusion and the role of art in combating capacitism.

ExpressArte maintains a vision focused on the quality and the artistic and social impact of the projects presented, affirming itself as a meeting place between diverse audiences and different educational and social contexts.

The previous edition recorded a significant growth in the diversity of audiences, consolidating the impact of the festival in the region.

In 2026, ExpressArte continues to build pathways to a more accessible, participatory and representative culture. Full programme: https://www.appacdmsetubal.pt/expressarte-xxvii

More information: dci@appacdmsetubal +351 910 784 090 (Inese Seas)