From Brâncuși to Contemporary Scenography: International Program in Scenography 2026 Begins

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From 24 August to 6 September 2026, the Lake Siutghiol promenade and the archaeological site of the Roman Castrum in Ovidiu will once again become an open-air creative laboratory for the fifth edition of the International Program in Scenography (IPS). Romania’s only international artistic residency dedicated to scenography and site-specific installations brings together emerging artists from around the world, who will create alongside internationally renowned mentors.

Since its pilot edition in 2022, IPS has established itself as a landmark on the international artistic scene, bringing together scenographers, architects, choreographers, directors, performers, lighting, sound and costume designers to explore new forms of expression in direct dialogue with local heritage and the community.

This year’s theme, Bird in Space, takes its inspiration from one of Constantin Brâncuși’s best-known works and marks the 150th anniversary of the artist’s birth. The proposal goes beyond a formal reference, opening up a reflection on the essence of creation: how does form become idea, and what remains when representation is reduced to gesture?

At the same time, the work evokes the celebrated Brâncuși v. United States trial, which took place 100 years ago and fundamentally changed the way modern art was defined. At a time when artificial intelligence is exerting an ever-greater influence on creative processes, the theme becomes a starting point for questions about authorship, intention and meaning, placing Brâncuși’s legacy in direct dialogue with today’s artistic reality.

IPS 2026 is structured in three stages:

Intensive workshops (25–27 August): Research and creative sessions led by the three mentors—Sean Crowley, Ana Mărgineanu and Peter Bottazzi—internationally renowned artists who will guide the young participants and introduce them to the process of creating site-specific scenography.

Installation building and community workshops (28 August–4 September): For seven days, ideas will take tangible form. Participants will build their installations along the Lake Siutghiol promenade and within the Roman Castrum. At the same time, children from the local community will take part in an educational programme dedicated to visual arts and the creation of spatial forms.

Bird in Space GALA (5 September): The closing event, held on the lakeshore and open to the general public, will offer a unique immersive experience. The Gala will feature the opening of the site-specific installations, performances, live art and artistic parades, bringing together the local community, artists, critics and leading figures from the worlds of theatre and visual arts.

Music and Community: LĂUTĂRESELE ȘARAIMANIC at the IPS 2026 Gala

The Gala will conclude with a special artistic programme presented by LĂUTĂRESELE ȘARAIMANIC. Two remarkable voices representing distinct cultures and communities in Romania will bring their musical energies together on the shore of Lake Siutghiol: Bianca Mihai, whose deeply expressive voice carries the spirit of Roma culture, and Aylin Cadîr, the ethereal voice of Turkish-Romanian heritage.

Admission is free.

LĂUTĂRESELE is an artistic concept initiated by the ȘARAIMANIC cultural movement, bringing to the forefront “the woman who sings herself”—a woman who gives voice to her own identity, supported and carried by master lăutari, the custodians of Romania’s living musical traditions. Through music, Șaraimanic builds bridges between worlds, transforming the IPS Gala into a celebration of diversity, identity and art without borders.

IPS 2026 continues to strengthen Romania’s position on the international scenography map, providing a unique platform for collaboration and cultural exchange. A one-of-a-kind artistic residency in Romania, the International Program in Scenography is organised by:

ORGANISERS: Romanian OISTAT Centre, Ovidiu City Hall, Constanța State Theatre, Constanța County Council

PROJECT CO-FUNDED BY: AFCN; Constanța County Council through the Constanța State Theatre

This cultural project is co-funded by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund. The project does not necessarily represent the position of the Administration of the National Cultural Fund. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the project or for how the project results may be used. These are the sole responsibility of the funding beneficiary.

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS: UNITER, Romanian Cultural Institute, Austrian Cultural Forum, French Institute, Goethe-Institut

PARTNERS: Cherhana Ovidiu, Hotel Piccadilly Mamaia

SPONSORS: Bigstore, Caii de la Letea, dm, Total Display Grup, Creative Bags

MEDIA PARTNERS: Zile și Nopți, Radio România Cultural, TVR Cultural, Teatrul Azi, Munteanu Recomandă, Curatorial, România Pozitivă, Scena.ro, Mezomorf

Further information is available at www.ipsresidency.com.