- Target:
- The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, The Government of the Canary Islands
- Region:
- GLOBAL
- Website:
- www.masdanza.com
Founded in 1996 by Natalia Medina, MASDANZA quickly established itself as one of the most important platforms for emerging and established contemporary dance artists worldwide. It is internationally recognised for its Solo and Choreography Contests, which have launched the careers of numerous award-winning choreographers and performers. Over three decades, MASDANZA has collaborated with leading festivals, cultural institutions, and networks, creating lasting cultural and professional bridges across Europe, Asia, and the America.
The festival’s Extension Tour brings high-quality contemporary dance performances to multiple locations across the Canary Islands, ensuring access for audiences in smaller and more remote communities. It also hosts workshops, masterclasses, and professional networking events, fostering cultural growth, education, and the local economy.
For 30 years, MASDANZA – The International Contemporary Dance Festival of the Canary Islands has been a beacon of creativity, cultural exchange, artistic excellence, and groundbreaking collaborations. It has brought the world’s most innovative dance artists to Gran Canaria, inspired audiences and elevated the Canary Islands onto the world stage of contemporary dance.
This year, MASDANZA was set to celebrate its 30th anniversary — a milestone honouring three decades of artistic achievement and international recognition. But just few weeks before the festival’s opening, its main sponsor, the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, unexpectedly withdrew its support.
Without this vital funding, key elements of the festival — including the world-renowned Solo and Choreography Contests and the Canary Islands Extension Tour cannot take place. This sudden loss jeopardizes not only the festival’s 30th edition, but its future, and impacts hundreds of artists, cultural workers, partners, and local communities.
MASDANZA is far more than a festival — it is a bridge between cultures, a platform for emerging talent, and a proud emblem of Gran Canaria’s cultural identity. Over the past three decades, it has:
• Presented and promoted hundreds of choreographers and dancers from around the world.
• Strengthened Gran Canaria’s reputation as an international cultural destination.
• Built lasting connections between local audiences and the global contemporary dance scene.
• Inspired and nurtured the next generation of artists.
We cannot let this legacy be diminished.
We call on:
• The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council
• The Government of the Canary Islands
• Cultural institutions across Spain and Europe
• Private sponsors and foundations
…to take urgent action to secure the funding for MASDANZA’s 30th edition and safeguard its future.
Sign this petition to show your support for MASDANZA and send a clear message: The arts matter. International cultural exchange matters. MASDANZA matters.
Let’s make sure that 30 years of dedication and cultural pride are celebrated — not silenced.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Save MASDANZA – Support the 30th Anniversary of the Festival petition to The Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, The Government of the Canary Islands was written by Atanas Maev and is in the category Arts & Entertainment at GoPetition.