Weird Market 2026: Ministry of Culture Contributes €18,000 to Video Game and Animation Sector

Key data

Spanish video game, animation and extended reality companies now have a new professional space co-financed with public funds: the Weird Market 2026 event, held in October within the Sitges Film Festival and with a budget of €36,000.

The agreement, published in the BOE on October 21, 2026 through the Resolution of the Under-Secretariat of the Ministry of Culture, formalizes the collaboration between the Ministry and Paramotion Films, SL (Tax ID B83608745). Each party contributes a maximum of €18,000, with the aim of professionalizing and internationalizing the Spanish digital cultural industry.

What does this regulation establish?

The administrative agreement between the Ministry of Culture and Paramotion Films regulates the co-financing and organization of Weird Market 2026, a professional event for the digital cultural industry held in the context of the Sitges International Film Festival.

The financed activities include:

• Conferences and talks for industry professionals
• B2b networking spaces aimed at generating business and collaborations
• Promotion activities for the video game, animation and extended reality industry

Regarding the payment mechanism, the Ministry will pay its contribution after the activities are executed and once the Monitoring Commission certifies compliance with the objectives. The deadline for this payment is November 30, 2026.

The agreement incorporates a relevant flexibility clause: a deviation of up to 25% per expense item is permitted without the need to formally modify the agreement. This provides operational flexibility to Paramotion Films to redistribute budget items without additional procedures.

Economic and operational impact

The agreement generates no direct costs for sector companies: it is an opportunity to access a professional event co-financed with public funds. 50% of the total budget (€18,000) comes from the Ministry of Culture, which significantly reduces the organization cost for Paramotion Films and, consequently, facilitates access to the event for sector professionals.

From an operational perspective, the interest for companies is twofold:

• Access to b2b networking: professional meeting spaces allow establishing contacts with potential partners, distributors or investors in a specialized environment.
• International visibility: the event is framed within the Sitges Film Festival, with international projection, which expands the scope of possible connections.

For Paramotion Films as the organizing entity, the 25% deviation clause per item provides real flexibility in budget execution, avoiding administrative procedures for minor unforeseen circumstances in expense distribution.

Who does it affect?

• Video game development companies based or operating in Spain
• Animation studios and production companies
• Extended reality sector companies (virtual, augmented and mixed reality)
• Independent professionals and freelancers in the digital cultural industry
• Investors and funds interested in the digital entertainment industry
• Distributors and international sales agents in the sector
• Event organizers and festivals in the digital cultural sector that may replicate this agreement model

Practical example

A Spanish indie video game development company with 8 employees wants to access international contacts to distribute its next title. Participating in Weird Market 2026, held as part of the Sitges Film Festival, allows it to access b2b networking spaces partially financed with the €18,000 contributed by the Ministry of Culture.

Without this type of public co-financing, the cost of organizing a professional event of this caliber would fall entirely on the organizer, increasing registration fees or reducing the quality of services offered. The ministry contribution covers 50% of the total budget (€18,000 of €36,000), which allows keeping the event accessible for small and medium-sized companies.

Additionally, if an unforeseen circumstance arises during organization requiring budget reallocation, Paramotion Films can do so with a deviation of up to 25% per item without the need to formally modify the agreement with the Ministry, streamlining operational management.

What should companies do now?

1. Confirm participation in Weird Market 2026: if your company operates in video games, animation or extended reality, contact Paramotion Films to learn about access conditions to the event before its October 2026 celebration.
2. Prepare your b2b networking proposal: professional meeting spaces require prior preparation. Define which profiles you want to connect with (distributors, investors, technology partners) and prepare presentation materials.
3. Monitor similar calls: this agreement is an indicator of the Ministry of Culture's support line for the digital cultural industry. Staying alert to future calls can open new funding opportunities.
4. Evaluate the agreement model if you are an organizer: if you manage sector events, the agreement model with the Ministry of Culture (50% co-financing, 25% deviation clause) can be a reference for requesting public support in future editions.

Official source

View 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-2026-21941