The Region grants 55,000 euros to Pupaclown for its inclusive performing arts center

The Governing Council of the Region of Murcia has approved Decree No. 167/2026, of September 10, establishing the special regulatory rules for the direct granting of a subsidy to the Pupaclown Foundation to collaborate in the operating expenses of the programming of the Pupaclown Social Integration Performing Arts Center for the 2026 fiscal year. The provision, adopted at the proposal of the Regional Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports, is published in the Official Gazette of the Region of Murcia (BORM) number 213, of September 15, 2026, pages 20937 to 20945.

The aid, amounting to 55,000.00 euros, is provided entirely by the Institute of Cultural Industries and Arts of the Region of Murcia (ICA), a public business entity attached to the Regional Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports, charged to Chapter IV “Current Transfers” of its 2026 expenditure budget. The line of action is included in the strategic subsidy plan approved by the Order of the Regional Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports of July 17, 2026.

A direct grant for public and social interest

The subsidy is of a singular nature and is authorized via direct grant, under article 22.2.c) of the General Subsidies Law 38/2003, of November 17, and articles 23.2 and 3 of the Subsidies Law 7/2005, of November 18, of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia. The decree justifies this formula based on the concurrence of proven reasons of public, social, cultural, and inclusive interest, which make a public call for applications inappropriate.

The competent body for the grant will be the head of the General Directorate of the ICA, and the aid will be implemented through a resolution specifying the commitments and conditions. The Pupaclown Foundation, as the sole beneficiary, must meet the general requirements of article 13.2 of the General Subsidies Law, including being up to date with its tax obligations to the State, the Autonomous Community, and Social Security.

A benchmark in accessibility and cultural inclusion

The Pupaclown Performing Arts Center, open since 2010, is established as a unique cultural space due to its physical, visual, and auditory accessibility conditions, making it a regional and national benchmark in terms of accessibility and cultural inclusion. Its 2026 programming is organized into two blocks:

• School Programming, in two periods, from February to May and from October to December.
• Family Programming, which includes the Spring Festival, the Performing Arts Festival for Children and Youth, and the Christmas Programming.

The activity reaches thousands of schoolchildren and families throughout the Region annually through school campaigns, festivals, training workshops, and artistic mediation activities. Through the “Banco Solidario” (Solidarity Bank) program, free access to shows is also facilitated for minors and families with economic difficulties, shelters, and socially disadvantaged groups.

Deadlines, payment, and justification

The ICA contribution is a phased and prepayable grant, and payment will be made at the time of granting via transfer to the Fundación Pupaclown. The execution period for the activities runs from January 1 to December 31, 2026, and the maximum date to justify the application of funds will be March 31, 2027.

Justification will be carried out through a justification account with the submission of an auditor’s report, accompanied by an activity report and a financial report. The grant is not compatible with co-financing from European Union structural funds, although it is compatible with other aid for the same purpose provided that the sum does not exceed the total cost of the project. No guarantees are required as it is a non-profit entity.

The regulation reinforces the commitment of the Region of Murcia to universal access to culture and the performing arts for the child and youth population, especially for groups in situations of vulnerability or with disabilities. For families, schoolchildren, and social entities, this aid guarantees the continuity of a program that combines culture, education, and social integration, consolidating the Centro Escénico Pupaclown as a space for equal opportunities and social cohesion.

Source: Official Gazette of the Region of Murcia (BORM), no. 213, September 15, 2026, I. Autonomous Community, 3. Other Provisions, Governing Council, pp. 20937-20945 (official reference: NPE A-150926-4393).