EU Contemporary Music Exchange 4: Austria and Switzerland
Transnational collaborations open up new artistic perspectives, enrich practice and are becoming increasingly indispensable in the face of a European cultural landscape under growing political and financial pressure. Yet it is rarely straightforward: even between neighbouring countries, working methods, structures, and funding systems can differ considerably. And beyond the major festivals and venues, the landscape remains largely unmapped.
Country Presentations: Austria & Switzerland
Discussion: Contemporary Music and Sound in Unexpected Places
The workshop opens with presentations on the contemporary music landscapes of Austria and Switzerland, followed by a discussion on “Music and Sound in Unexpected Places.”
It’s not just the Alps that connect Austria and Switzerland: there is also a shared appetite for contemporary music in unexpected places. Sometimes the backdrop is a postcard‑perfect landscape, sometimes a venue with a raw, industrial charm. Switzerland boasts a surprising number of festivals with a strong sound‑art profile and outdoor projects of all kinds like installations, sound walks, performances, and more. In Austria, where classical music is still very present, contemporary music festivals and concert series also tend to leave traditional concert halls behind, bringing performances to old churches, public spaces, and other unusual places while bringing together tradition with the sounds of our time.
Hosted by: mica – music austria and Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia
Experts/Special Guests: tba
Moderator: Les Vynogradov
Workshop Series
The workshop series Contemporary Music Exchange in Europe provides an in-depth look at the diverse landscape of contemporary music across the continent, drawing attention not only to the well-known festivals and venues, but to the wider ecosystem of artists, curators, and initiatives that shape each national scene.
Each bimonthly online workshop focuses on two European countries, combining presentations on their distinct musical landscapes with discussion rounds featuring local musicians, curators, and producers. Participants gain practical knowledge of working methods, funding structures, and key platforms, along with the opportunity to make direct contact with potential collaboration partners.
Details
- Where: All workshops are held online via zoom. The access link will be provided upon registration.
- Language: English
- Target Audience: The workshop series is aimed at professionals from the contemporary music scene across Europe including ensembles, musicians, composers, curators, and music managers. It is particularly designed for independent artists and organisations looking to expand their international presence.
- Modular Format: The workshops are independent of one another and can be attended individually based on your interests and needs.
