What do you think has more weight in terms of artistic management strength?

I am working in getting a longer subsidy from the Ministry of Culture (Portugal) in the area of "dance-theater". Two years, instead of just a project this time.
Is there any other country that has to do this? I think the USA gets just private sponsors, but I am sure other countries can apply for government support.

So my question is: in your opinion, what seems stronger,

a) An artistic co-production with another group (not financial, just artistic)
b) Or, as there is no financial partnership, just inviting that group to perform in my performing space as a guest?

I just can't decide, I am trying to read the mind of the jury! (lol)

How it seems to you from a neutral position?

My choice would be to be in charge of choice which seems to be the direction you have chosen, such as choosing which dance-theatre group I would deem worthy of artistic exposure first...then when all cuts are weaved in a professional manner arrange a presentation to Ministry of Culture arbitrators, who decide who and who doesn't get subsidies for continuation of artistic pursuits..therefore neutral answer would be... b. first then a...I think I'll have a glass of wine now lol~~

In the U.S., there is government support for the arts, but not much and it's hard to get. It's also very controversial at times. For example, the artist Mapplethorpe (whose first name I can't recall at the moment) took photographs that were roundly condemned by political and religious conservatives. The National Endowment for the Arts provides these funds. People have to fill out reams of paperwork to get any money and it's never a sure thing. I'm not sure it's really worth it, in the end. But the alternative is going from sponsor to sponsor, trying to get work from universities, corporations, and private individuals. Or else, what is more common, you work on your own and do what you want and then try to sell it -- the "starving artist" syndrome. Which means you probably have a day job to pay the bills, or somebody else supports you, who probably resents it terribly and will divorce you next month!

Of the options you suggest above, I'd go with (b). You're kind of working together with others, but you're also kind of independent. I find that sort of relationship tends to work best, so that you're not utterly and completely dependent on the other party for your success. If they fall down on the job and don't do their part, you might be able to find somebody else to fill in, at the last minute, too. If you're doing a co-production, whether financial or artistic, that's a lot harder when the other party fails to live up to their part. I know I sound negative, but that's product of my experiences of showing up and finding I'm all by my lonesome! (That means all by myself, all alone.)