Call for participants Baltic Artists in Development is a programme by Musikcentrum Syd (Malmö, Sweden), Music Estonia (Tallinn, Estonia) and Adam Mickiewicz Institute (Warsaw, Poland). The programme is aimed at self-managed artists and independent artist managers who already have some experience in the international music scene and seek to develop their international reach and industry know-how. It consists of three 2-day training sessions focusing on various music industry topics, each taking place in one of the partner organisation's locations, over the period of November 2019 to May 2020.

This call is open for participants from Estonia, Poland and Sweden. In total, 12 participants will be selected, 4 from each country – 2 artists and 2 managers. We are expecting one individual application per artist team.

The programme consists of three training sessions:

• November 6–9, 2019 in Malmö, Sweden on strategic planning, building a sustainable career, branding;
• February 12–15, 2020 in Tallinn, Estonia on collaborating with labels, publishers, collecting societies, and other partners;
• May 27–30, 2020 in Warsaw, Poland on communication, storytelling, social media.

In preparation for each session, participants are given homework and following each session, participants are expected to give feedback. The purpose is to shape the programme and materials along the way according to participants' needs. In parallel, we compile a music industry toolbox to be shared publicly. The toolbox will be completed by the end of the project in autumn 2020.

Who can apply:

• self-managed artists of the independent* music scene from Sweden, Estonia and Poland that are currently active in the music scene and have some international experience (for example international showcase festivals, international tours, etc.) and have ambition to work and perform in the Baltic Sea area.
• independent* music managers from Sweden, Estonia and Poland that currently represent artists from their respective countries and have some experience in building international music careers.

* By independent we understand artists and artists managers that are not binded with a recording contract with a major label, and that are not employed by such.

Participants can expect to:

• discover a great deal about the music industry in general and the traits in countries involved;
• extend their network among local industry representatives and other participants;

• learn from their peers;
• have a revised strategic plan by the end of the programme;
• be part of a programme shaped for their needs;
• have international travel costs and accommodation in foreign countries covered (economy flights, accommodation in 3* hotels in single rooms). Please, note that the participants will not be given per diem nor fee.

Participants are expected to:

• communicate well in English (working language);
• be present at all sessions (in case of last-minute cancellation for reasons other than force majeure, participant might be asked to reimburse the costs already made for their travel/accommodation. Each case will be evaluated separately)
• prepare for the sessions;
• fill in the feedback form after each session;
• give feedback on the produced toolbox after the last session.

How to apply

In order to apply, the applicants should fill in an on-line application form (see the link here) and submit it by September, 16, 2019, 23:59 CEST. The applications will be evaluated by a Commission consisting of members of Musikcentrum Syd, Music Estonia and  Adam Mickiewicz Institute (Don’t Panic! We’re from Poland).

The application form will be assessed according to the following substantive criteria:

-     compliance of the applicant’s profile and experience with the Baltic Artist in Development Programme’s objectives (0-5 points);

-     artist's export potential based on the artist's achievements and infrastructure (0-3 points);

-     applicant’s motivations to participate in the  Baltic Artist in Development Programme (0-2 points);

The decision on selecting the participants will be based on the sum of points awarded by the Commission. The maximum number of points is 10.  Applicants with the highest scores will be invited to participate in the programme.

Deadline for applications is September 22, 2019. Applicants will be contacted with the results by October 1, 2019.

For more information, please visit Baltic Artists in Development webpage http://www.musikcentrumsyd.se/baltic-artists-in-development .

Baltic Artists in Development is a collaboration project between Musikcentrum Syd, Music Estonia and Adam Mickiewicz Institute. The project is funded by the Swedish Institute.