Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of October 20, 2026, from the Under-Secretariat (DGAEM–ICEX Agreement for ChinaSPAF and APAP NYC 2027) |
|---|---|
| BOE Publication | October 27, 2026 |
| Entry into force | October 27, 2026 |
| Affected parties | Spanish companies and professionals in the dance sector with international projection |
| Category | Regulatory Changes |
| Total budget | €70,000 |
| DGAEM contribution | €40,000 |
| ICEX contribution | €30,000 |
| Covered fairs | ChinaSPAF (Shanghai) and APAP NYC (New York), 2027 editions |
Spanish dance companies and professionals have a concrete internationalization opportunity in 2027: the State allocates €70,000 to finance Spanish presence at ChinaSPAF (Shanghai) and APAP NYC (New York), two of the most important performing arts markets in the world. The legal framework that makes this possible is the Resolution of October 20, 2026, published in the BOE on October 27, 2026, which includes the agreement signed between the Ministry of Culture—through the General Directorate of Performing Arts and Music (DGAEM)—and ICEX Spain Export and Investment.
It is not a direct subsidy call: it is an institutional participation program in fairs, with professional selection managed by DGAEM. Those who do not act now will be left out.
What does this regulation establish?
The agreement defines with precision what each institution does and how spending is executed:
| Institution | Responsibilities | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| DGAEM (Ministry of Culture) | Selection of participating professionals and companies; coordination of Spanish cultural promotion | €40,000 |
| ICEX Spain Export and Investment | Contracting of fair spaces; general logistics and operational coordination | €30,000 |
Payments will be made in two phases, linked to justification of activities. This means that funds are not released all at once: each tranche is conditional on proving that the planned activities have been executed correctly.
The agreement also incorporates explicit commitments in three cross-cutting areas:
- Sustainability: activities must respect environmental criteria.
- Gender equality: it is required to integrate a gender perspective in selection and promotion.
- Social inclusion: participation of profiles with functional diversity or other vulnerable situations is contemplated.
Economic and operational impact
For a dance company or enterprise, participating in ChinaSPAF or APAP NYC on its own account entails costs of tens of thousands of euros (intercontinental travel, accommodation, fair space, promotional materials). The agreement covers these costs institutionally, which makes participation an internationalization opportunity with very reduced direct cost for the selected participant.
The budget distribution reflects the operational logic: ICEX assumes 43% of the total (€30,000) for space contracting and logistics, while DGAEM contributes 57% (€40,000) for selection and cultural promotion. Both institutions work in a coordinated manner, which reduces the administrative burden for participating companies.
Payment in two phases linked to justification means that selected companies must be prepared to provide documentation proving their participation in each stage of the program.
Who does it affect?
- Spanish dance companies with exportable repertoire and international projection.
- Producers and managers of performing arts specialized in dance.
- Agents and distributors of dance performances operating in Asian or North American markets.
- Independent professionals in the sector (choreographers, artistic directors) with interest in Chinese or U.S. markets.
- Associations and platforms in the performing arts sector that act as interlocutors with DGAEM.
Practical example
A contemporary dance company based in Madrid wants to explore the Asian market. Participating in ChinaSPAF (Shanghai) autonomously would cost between flights, accommodation, fair space and materials an estimated investment of €15,000–25,000 per edition, assumed entirely by the company.
Thanks to the DGAEM–ICEX agreement, if the company is selected by DGAEM, ICEX contracts the fair space and coordinates general logistics charged to the €30,000 it contributes. The company gains access to a world-class international showcase with much lower direct cost, and with the institutional backing of the Spanish pavilion. In return, it must meet DGAEM selection criteria (including sustainability, equality and inclusion commitments) and justify its participation in the two payment phases provided for.
What should companies do now?
- Contact DGAEM to learn about the criteria and deadlines for selecting professionals for ChinaSPAF and APAP NYC 2027. Selection is the exclusive responsibility of the General Directorate of Performing Arts and Music.
- Review the company profile in relation to the agreement's commitments: sustainability, gender equality and social inclusion. These criteria are part of the selection process.
- Contact ICEX to understand what logistics coordination covers and what each participant must provide (materials, presence, documentation).
- Prepare justification documentation from the start, as payments are made in two phases linked to accreditation of activities.
- Consult the complete resolution in the BOE to know the exact conditions of the agreement and the commitments undertaken by each party.
Frequently asked questions
How much money is available for Spanish participation in ChinaSPAF and APAP NYC 2027?
The total budget of the agreement is €70,000: €40,000 contributed by DGAEM (Ministry of Culture) and €30,000 contributed by ICEX Spain Export and Investment. This is not a direct subsidy to companies, but institutional financing to cover fair spaces, logistics and cultural promotion.
How can a Spanish dance company participate in these international fairs?
Interested companies and professionals must coordinate with the DGAEM, which is responsible for selecting participants, and with ICEX, which manages space contracting and general coordination. There is no open public call: access is through direct contact with both institutions.
What fairs does this agreement cover and where are they held?
The agreement covers two international fairs in their 2027 editions: ChinaSPAF, held in Shanghai (China), and APAP NYC, held in New York (United States). Both are world-leading fairs for the performing arts and dance sector.
When does this agreement enter into force?
The agreement entered into force on the same day of its publication in the BOE: October 27, 2026. Steps to participate in the 2027 fairs should be initiated as soon as possible, given that selection and coordination processes require time.
What commitments must participating companies assume?
In addition to artistic and professional selection requirements, the agreement requires compliance with commitments for environmental sustainability, gender equality and social inclusion. Likewise, participants must be prepared to justify their activity in the two payment phases provided for in the agreement.
Official source
Consult complete regulation at official source
Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-22506
