Photo: Doug Mason
Art Music Denmark extends its collaboration with Bang on a Can — three more years of residencies for Danish musicians!
Art Music Denmark is proud to announce that our partnership with the renowned New York–based composer collective Bang on a Can will continue – and even expand. We have just signed a new three-year agreement (2026–2028), which means that each year, one Danish composer or musician will have the opportunity to take part in the three-week residency at the Bang on a Can Summer Music Festival in Massachusetts, USA.
We are now open for applications for the 2026 residency, which will take place from July 13 to August 2, 2026, at MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art).
Application deadline: 14 January 2026 at 23:00 (CET)
The residency is a unique opportunity for an artist working curiously, experimentally, and boldly within new music – and who wishes to spend three weeks in an intense international environment dedicated to artistic focus, new networks, and creative development.
About the Bang on a Can Summer Music Festival
The Bang on a Can Summer Festival has been described as both “life-changing” and “utterly transformative.” Over the course of three weeks, composers, performers, and artists from around the world gather at MASS MoCA – surrounded by mountains, large studio spaces, and the museum’s expansive contemporary art installations.
The program includes:
The residency culminates in the three-day LOUD Weekend – a festival featuring more than 30 concerts, world premieres, and high-energy performances by festival ensembles, composers, and guest artists.
Previous participant, Filippa Westerberg, describes the residency:
– “This summer, I had the great pleasure of participating in the Bang on a Can summer festival as a composer. It was three intense, educational and inspiring weeks with amazing people – both fellows and faculty. I highly recommend taking the chance and applying if you want to be surrounded by art, music, and people who are dedicated to and absorbed in new music and all that it can be! It was an adventure I will always carry with me.”
Who can apply:
Composers or musicians who are either:
– Danish citizens, regardless of their current country of residence, or
– Currently, permanent residents of Denmark (of any nationality).
What is covered:
– Room and board for the entire festival period
– Tuition, workshops, and masterclasses
– Access to festival facilities, concerts, and activities
NB: Travel expenses are not covered, but applicants may apply for travel support through Art Music Denmark’s transport funding scheme.
Read more about travel support and deadlines HERE.
How to apply
– Application deadline: 14 January 2026 at 23:00 (CET)
– Application link: https://bangonacan.org/summer_festival/
– Important: The application fee should not be paid. Tick the box “I have paid” and write “AMDK” in the payment/reference field.
Bang on a Can appoints a jury that selects the Danish participant. The selected applicant will be notified directly in early March 2026.
A strong collaboration
Since 2018, Art Music Denmark has supported Danish musicians and composers in attending the Bang on a Can Summer Festival. With this new three-year agreement, we strengthen the collaboration even further. Our aim remains to provide Danish artists access to international environments where new ideas, connections, and artistic directions can grow.
For questions, please contact laura@artmusicdenmark.org
Art Music Denmark’s collaboration with Bang on a Can Summer Festival is supported by the Danish Arts Foundation and The Augustinus Foundation.
