Sismògraf, the festival that detects movement

The Sismògraf is the marketplace and festival of dance in Catalonia. For four days, national and international companies meet in Olot, which becomes the epicentre of this art. Dance exhibitions are held in different venues around the city, but also in the squares and streets, with free performances for all types of public. People from all over Catalonia come to La Garrotxa, both dance enthusiasts and families who don’t want to miss this experience. The public is mainly Catalan, although every year dozens of international promoters in the sector also come eager to discover new dance proposals.

The festival is committed to various experiences related to dance and movement. The program combines established and well-known names with uprising new talents, and promotes both larger shows with ones for smaller audiences. Whoever comes to the Sismògraf does so with the will to be surprised by an offer that leaves no one indifferent. The proximity between artists, professionals and the public is a real asset during the four days of the festival, and it is especially noticeable in the evenings, when everyone meets at the Sismòbar.

One of the values of the Sismògraf is its surroundings. The festival dances in the middle of the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa, and the different outdoor events give value to the natural scene of the region, such as the dance itinerary in the Parc Nou or the bike route. Whenever possible, shows are located in unique landscapes such as the Moixina wetlands, the Montsacopa volcano or the banks of the river Fluvià.

The ethos of the festival is a healthy responsibility towards society, a strong commitment to reaching the various goals of sustainable development, and above all the challenge to find ways to combat climate change. This is done, as only one example, by measuring the carbon footprint of all the people who travel to Olot which is then compensated for. In addition, the festival is working towards zero consumption of plastic, and gradually decreasing the use of promotional and other printed material and it favours the use of bicycles when travelling between shows. Other measures along these lines are to encourage the hiring of local suppliers and the consumption of 0km products, as well as guaranteeing universal access to cultural events with the offer of different options for the most vulnerable groups.