Cuenca Hosts Ecuador's First Performing Arts Market: International Programmers in Town Feb 2-7

From February 2-7, Cuenca becomes the center of Ecuador's performing arts scene as the city hosts MIESC EC—the first-ever Mercado de las Industrias Escénicas del Ecuador (Performing Arts Market of Ecuador).

What Is MIESC?

This is a professional platform connecting Ecuadorian artists with international festival programmers, theater directors, and cultural managers who have booking power at major venues worldwide.

Think of it as a trade fair for the performing arts: artists showcase their work, and programmers from festivals in Europe, Latin America, and North America attend to discover talent they might book for future seasons.

The Numbers

• 38 international programmers from Europe, Latin America, and North America
• 21 theater/dance/circus proposals selected to showcase
• 17 musical acts selected to perform
• 70 programmers and regional representatives with booking capacity

Notable Attendees

Representatives will be present from:

• Festival de Cádiz (Spain)
• Festival Cervantino (Mexico)
• Canadian circus festivals
• Latinidades Festival (Brazil)
• Various South American cultural circuits

What's Happening

The week includes:

• Showcases - Short performances by selected artists
• Business meetings - Artists meet with programmers
• Training sessions - Professional development for performers
• Public performances - Some events open to general audiences

Why It Matters

For Cuenca, this event positions the city as a cultural hub beyond tourism. It's organized by Faquir Producciones and Festival Escenarios del Mundo, with funding from the Instituto de Fomento de la Creatividad e Innovación (IFAIC) and support from the municipal Dirección de Cultura.

For Expats

Even if you're not in the performing arts business, some showcases and performances will be open to the public. It's a chance to see high-quality theater, dance, and music that's been selected as representative of Ecuador's best current work.

Check with the Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno and Casa de la Cultura for public event schedules during the week.

The organizers plan to hold this market every two to three years, depending on new productions with international touring potential.