Mercado de Nueva Ópera
Networking Platform & Co-production Market for Contemporary Opera
Plataforma Nueva Ópera
Buenos Aires, Argentina · 2018–2019
Role: Co-Founder · Project Design · Strategic Development
Overview
Mercado de Nueva Ópera was a professional networking and co-production platform created to strengthen and develop the field of contemporary opera and experimental musical theatre in Buenos Aires.
The project emerged from Plataforma Nueva Ópera, a collective formed by Barbados Artes Escénicas, Festival Nueva Ópera Buenos Aires, Teatro El Extranjero, Sociedad Paixao&Quintero and Compañía Canción Nocturna del Caminante, developed within the framework of the Cultural and Scientific Innovation Lab of Fundación Williams and Potenciar Comunidades.
The initiative aimed to make visible and connect a fragmented artistic ecosystem by creating new forms of collaboration between creators, production teams and independent spaces.
Through a combination of network building, digital mapping, professional exchange and a physical market event, the project promoted encounters between artists and venues, encouraging co-production agreements and the development of new circulation models for contemporary opera.
Documentation
Press
Project Structure
The project was developed through three interconnected components:
Plataforma Nueva Ópera
A digital platform designed as a resource and meeting point for the contemporary opera sector, including:
- Mapping of artists, companies, venues and organisations
- Catalogue of contemporary opera works
- Information about calls, grants, residencies and professional opportunities
- Visibility for creators and independent production initiatives
Mercado de Nueva Ópera
A physical meeting platform connecting creators with potential production and presentation spaces.
Inspired by cultural market models, the event organised one-to-one meetings between:
- Composers
- Directors
- Dramaturgs and librettists
- Performing arts companies
- Independent theatres and cultural spaces
- Producers and cultural agents
The objective was to generate new collaborations, co-production agreements and circulation opportunities for contemporary opera projects.
Premio Plataforma Nueva Ópera
A co-production support programme designed to encourage the creation and circulation of new works through partnerships between creators and independent venues.
Highlights
Promotion of professionalisation and exchange within the sector
Development of the first Mercado de Nueva Ópera in Buenos Aires
Connection between independent creators and alternative cultural spaces
Design of new co-production mechanisms for emerging opera projects