Public Call: “Soundscapes of the Western Balkans”

by Ring Ring | 19.03.2025.

The public call for artists to participate in this year’s regional mentoring program “Soundscapes of the Western Balkans“, aimed at fostering artistic creativity and innovation, is open until April 19, 2025.

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We are excited to announce an open call for artists to participate in a regional mentorship program! This capacity-building regional program is opened for musicians, sound artists, producers and cultural workers.

The program will include workshops, field trips and mentoring resulting in unique mini-projects. Mentorship and guidance will be provided throughout the creative process. The program will also provide professional recognition and exposure in the context of different events to be held throughout the project.

The program will culminate with the Final Event which will celebrate the creativity and innovation developed throughout the program and provide a platform for the artists to share their work with a broader audience. The event will include an exhibition of sound projects alongside other outputs from the overall project “Soundscapes of the Western Balkans”..

ELIGIBILITY:

This open call is open to artists of all backgrounds and disciplines, particularly those working with sound in innovative and experimental ways. Artists should be available to complete their mini sound projects in time for the final event and be prepared to present their work for the exhibition.

We are looking for 12 artists to participate in the Regional mentorship program. All musicians, sound artists, producers and cultural workers, are invited to apply, if they are fulfilling the following criteria:

• Applicants may be individuals or representatives of a group;
• Artists of all music backgrounds are welcome to apply;
• To be eligible for this opportunity, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 40 years old on the date the public call is announced;
• Individuals or group representatives from the Western Balkan countries can apply.

OTHER IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Artists should be interested in creating sound-based projects that align with the themes and goals of the mentorship program;
• Projects should be experimental, engaging, and thought-provoking, showcasing the possibilities of sound as an artistic medium;
• Sound works can explore innovative use of technology, composition, field recordings, soundscapes, or interactive audio experiences;
• Projects should be in a format which can be displayed or performed in a gallery or event setting;
• The project result must be a sound sample that will later be made publicly available through the online platform;
• All participants must attend the workshops in person in Mostar and Belgrade.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested artists are invited to submit the following:

• A short biography;
• A portfolio or examples of previous work. (Links of recordings, videos, or any other relevant format). Maximum 3 bodies of work;
• A recording or video introducing the artist;
• Contact information (email, phone).

ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS:

Each participant in the program will sign a contract with relevant organization, committing to create one sound mini project and organize one community event or music workshop in their city. As part of the program, participants will receive a production fee to cover associated costs

• 60% of the production fee will be paid upon signing the contract;
• The remaining 40% will be disbursed upon successful completion of all contract obligations;
• Other methods of payment disbursement can be arranged.

SHORT TIMELINE:

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: Saturday, April 19th 2025

Please send all applications and inquiries to: soundscapesofthewesternbalkans@gmail.com.

If you need to send heavy attachments via email for an application, you can use a file-sharing service to ensure the files are easily accessible without overloading your email. We will confirm when all of your attachments are received. Once you get the confirmation e-mail the application is considered accepted for reviewing.

We look forward to discovering the innovative and inspiring sound works! Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this unique opportunity!

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