Open Call for jazz bands
From September 12 to 14, 2024, Ghent will host the European Jazz Conference. This prestigious event is the largest annual gathering of professionals from the jazz and creative music sector in Europe, in particular programmers, producers and supporting organizations.
VI.BE, JazzLab and Ha Concerts in collaboration with Muziekcentrum De Bijloke join forces to welcome more than 400 professionals from 197 organizations and 36 countries to Ghent for 3 days of intense exchange, inspiration and discovery through a program of networking sessions, keynotes and panel discussions, and of course showcase concerts by Belgian jazz artists.
VI.BE, JazzLab, Ha Concerts, WBM and Museact are launching an open call, supported by Sabam for Culture and PlayRight+, to give 10 Belgian bands or musicians the opportunity to present a 30-minute showcase at Ha Concerts or Bijloke Music Center to the international professionals who will attend this unique event in Ghent.
Interested?
Do you meet the conditions below? Do you have what it takes at your fingertips to apply?
Then we are very curious and want to get to know you. Please forward your candidacy before 10 DEC '23 at midnight. Good luck!
Who can apply?
This open call is addressed to professional jazz bands and musicians who originate from or reside in Belgium and have an ongoing project with international appeal.
Terms
- Solo musicians or bandleaders must originate from or reside in Belgium. In the case of bands, international musicians may also be involved, as long as the project has a clearly demonstrable link to the Belgian jazz scene.
- The musicians involved in the submitted project must be available from September 12 to 14, 2024. In case of selection, they must also be willing to play in the exact lineup mentioned in the application and to respect the concert schedule determined by the organization.
- The musicians must be willing to play a 30-minute concert for a flat fee of €250 per musician. Only one larger ensemble/ big band can be included in the total selection of 10 projects.
- The submitted project is an ongoing project with a long-term perspective, capable of touring internationally with the cast mentioned in the application.
- The submitted project has released at least one album/EP/digital release or has an album or digital release planned in the near future.
- The submitted project must have significant touring experience and professional recognition in Belgium.
- The musicians work with a booking agent, a manager or have experience managing the project professionally themselves.
How do you apply?
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With a written English-language presentation of the project (bio, collaborations, tours, residencies, local and/or international professional entourage, etc.), highlighting its international appeal and outlining current and future international development ambitions.
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Professional audio and (preferably live) video material, giving a good impression of the artistic universe of the project. The national and international jury will make the final selection based on this material.
Selection process
VI.BE, JazzLab and Ha Concerts will compile a longlist of all applications and verify that each one meets the required criteria.
A Belgian jury composed of 6 Walloon and 6 Flemish professionals with a thorough knowledge of the Belgian jazz scene will make a first selection of 20 bands or musicians belonging to the French community and 20 bands belonging to the Flemish community.
The final selection of 10 bands will be made by a jury of 4 international and 4 Belgian (2 Flemish and 2 Walloon) professionals and will be announced during Jazzahead! in April 2024.
Obviously, the quality, originality and international potential of the music and live performances, as well as inclusivity criteria (gender, ethnicity, age,...) and geographical balance will be taken into account during the selection process.
Interested?
Do you meet the conditions below? Do you have what it takes at your fingertips to apply?
Then we are very curious and want to get to know you. Please forward your candidacy before 10 DEC '23 at midnight. Good luck!
