Open Call Network Trip Contemporary Music – Donaueschinger Musiktage

When: 15–19 October 2026 
Where: Donaueschinger Musiktage (Germany) 
Language: English 

In collaboration with Donaueschinger Musiktage and Impuls Neue Musik, Fonds Podiumkunsten is organising a network trip for professionals in the Dutch contemporary music sector. During this trip, participants will meet colleagues from Germany and attend the Donaueschinger Musiktage festival together. The trip is open to a maximum of twenty participants.

Founded in 1921, Donaueschinger Musiktage is one of the most established annual meeting points and a key platform for contemporary music in German-speaking countries. The festival presents exclusively world and German premieres and offers a wide range of music, from symphonic concerts and ensemble recitals to improvisation and sound art. 

For the 2026 edition, invited artists include Natasha Barrett, Ensemble Modern, Clara Iannotta, Hannah Kendall, Brigitta Muntendorf, ONCEIM, Éliane Radigue, Gwendoline Robin, Marina Rosenfeld, Susana Santos Silva, Rebecca Saunders, Speak Percussion, Simon Steen-Andersen and the SWR Symphony Orchestra.

The first day of the programme consists of a Meet & Connect for the Dutch and German delegations, including panels and introductory sessions. After this initial meeting, participants will attend the festival together. 

The festival offers, in addition to a wide range of concerts, the opportunity to deepen newly established contacts and meet other professionals in the field. 

• 15 Oct – travel day  
• 16 Oct – NL–DE Meet & Connect + opening of the festival  
• 17–18 Oct – festival  
• 19 Oct – travel day  

This trip is intended for: 

• artistic and general directors, programmers, curators, composers and creators with a professional practice in contemporary music;  
• professionals interested in collaboration and exchange within the German-speaking context;  
• applicants whose practice aligns with the network of Donaueschinger Musiktage;  
• professionals based in the Netherlands;  
• applicants available from 15–19 October 2026.  

Please note: agents and representatives are not eligible for this trip. 

Participants in this trip will receive: 

• reimbursement of travel costs;  
• accommodation;  
• festival tickets;  
• a per diem for meals.  

If you meet the criteria and would like to participate, please complete the application form. The form requires a short description of your practice, CV, motivation and availability. 

Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs as an applicant. We are happy to explore possible arrangements. 

Applications can be submitted until 15 July 2026, 23:59 CEST. 

Please note: it is not possible to apply for both the sector trip to Donaueschinger Musiktage and the network trip to Ultima Festival Oslo. Duplicate applications will not be considered.