Call for applications: New Music Exchange Residency 2026

The residency is part of New Music ExChange – a three-year international collaboration (2025–2027) dedicated to advancing equity in contemporary music for disabled composers and musicians.

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Why we are doing this

The residency aims to create more equitable opportunities in contemporary music. By focusing on inclusive methods, creative notation, and the exploration of music technology, we invite disabled and non-disabled composers and musicians to collaborate, experiment, and create on equal terms.

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What we offer

Participants will join a creative residency focused on inclusive artistic practice. Each participant will receive:

• Travel and accommodation included
• Meals and coffee/tea provided

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Participation fee

Participation fee of €600 is available for freelancers and self-employed participants. The residency is a professional development opportunity, and the fee is intended to support participation and help compensate for lost income. Salaried participants are very welcome to apply, but the fee is primarily intended for freelancers.

Participants will work closely with mentors and workshop leaders from Drake Music Scotland and ShareMusic & Performing Arts, both internationally recognised for their expertise in inclusive music development.

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A collaborative process

Throughout the program, participants will take part in a shared creative process where ideas are tested, developed, and shaped together. The focus is on exploration rather than finished results, and on creating an environment where different perspectives, experiences, and artistic expressions can meet and influence one another.

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How we will work

Over the course of three days, participants will explore inclusive methods through hands-on workshops, guided experimentation, and collective reflection.

The residency functions as a creative laboratory and offers opportunities to expand your network and gain experience through artistic exchange, supported by mentors with extensive experience in inclusive music-making.

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Who can apply

We welcome applications from:

• Disabled composers and musicians  

• Non-disabled composers and musicians who are curious to explore inclusive practice  

• Emerging or professionally active artists within their field  

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A maximum of 16 participants will be selected.

Please note that applications are only open to residents of the Nordic countries (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands) and the Baltic countries.

No prior experience with inclusive practice is required — only an openness to explore.

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How to apply

Apply by completing the digital application form HERE.

In the form, you will be asked to:

• Upload a recording or video (maximum 3 minutes) showcasing your work as a composer, music creator, or musician
  (This does not need to be your most recent work — just something that represents you at your best.)  

• Tell us why you wish to participate  

• Explain what you would like to explore or develop during the residency  

• Share information about any access requirements  

If you experience any difficulties applying through the digital form, or need further information or support, please contact ShareMusic & Performing Arts at:

info@sharemusic.se

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Access support

We are committed to making the residency as accessible as possible. The project has a dedicated budget for access arrangement. Applicants will be able to share their access requirements in the application form so that arrangements can be planned in advance.  

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How your application will be assessed

Applications will be reviewed by project partners and mentors. We will assess applications based on:

• Motivation and interest in exploring inclusive music creation  

• Openness to collaboration and experimentation  

• Artistic practice and potential for development (no prior experience of inclusive practice required)  

• Balance and diversity within the final participant group  

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All applicants will be notified of the results in mid-June 2026.
Selected participants will also be invited to a digital kick-off meeting ahead of the residency.

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The residency is made possible with support from the Nordic Culture Point Culture and Art Programme funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, Erasmus+ and STIM in collaboration with Dunkers kulturhus and Helsingborg School of Music and Arts.

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