Agora Now

Agora Now is an international network of artists and makers with a fresh perspective on performing arts and how it can create positive change in today’s polarised world. We explore new ways of imagining, experimenting, producing, and collaborating. We face a crisis of imagination, connection, and trust. Art is a necessity. Freedom of artistic expression must be nurtured and kept alive. Artists are first responders to the times we live in: they imagine futures, unlock human potential, and help communities experiment, transform and make sense of the world together. Agora Now responds to this with our model based on three interconnected pillars: 1. A national and international network of artists and makers: 350 artist members worldwide and growing. A self-led “global artistic think tank” that regularly exchanges ideas and practices. Community-based hubs. Spaces where artists and local communities experiment together. We have active hubs in Rotterdam and Buenos Aires, and a third in development. Artist residencies: Pioneering residencies for performing artists across the network. Artists receive a living wage, technical and production support, and share their process with communities. So far, 36 residencies have been realised. In 2024 we were curators of the European Pavilion with Liquid Becomings, an artistic voyage along Europe’s rivers, combining sustainable sailing, public encounters, and festivals, reimagining Europe’s collective future. We're now embarked on our next steps. Follow us to stay up to date and join in.