To mark this anniversary, the Month of Contemporary Music opens with the Ensemble Festival (2–4 October). For the first time, all established Berlin-based contemporary music ensembles will come together for a three-day programme at the former Neukölln department store CANK. The festival foregrounds the richness of the city’s ensemble scene, collective modes of working, and exchange between musicians, composers and audiences. 

On 5 October, Time to Listen continues with its second thematic focus on transnational collaboration and networks. Last year, the conference brought together numerous European initiatives seeking to connect in response to ecological, political and financial challenges, to share knowledge, resources and responsibility. Building on this, the October edition places a particular emphasis on independent ensembles: their pivotal role in contemporary music production, their intermediary position between composers and festivals, their often informal yet robust networks, and the conditions that shape their work and collaborations.

Open Call:

From 2 to 5 October 2026, musicians, composers, ensembles, and curators are invited to explore the Berlin scene and connect with its key players as part of the guest programme.

The guest programme includes:

• Concert visits at the Ensemble Festival and others
  Visits to venues, studios, and project spaces, including discussions with curators and organisers
• Participation in the Time to Listen conference
• Networking events with Berlin-based music practitioners
  
  

To ensure the programme is tailored to the individual needs of participants, we offer personal consultation before the trip and support in arranging meetings with key figures in the Berlin music scene.

Who can apply:

• The programme is primarily aimed at composers and musicians, organisers, curators, and ensemble representatives from the field of contemporary music.
• It is considered particularly beneficial for individuals and organisations with concrete projects or ideas for collaboration.
• Due to the limited number of participants, only one person per organisation, ensemble, or collective can be supported.
  
  

Applications can be submitted via an online form: APPLICATION FORM

Submission deadline: 1. April 2026

The selection will be made by a jury consisting of representatives from the program partners as well as the inm / field notes Berlin. For inquiries, please contact Lisa Benjes (lisa.benjes@inm-berlin.de).

Costs*

Selected participants from Denmark will be provided with financial support of EUR 1000 from Art Music Denmark per participant. This amount supports the expenses related to participation in the visiting programme incl. travel, accommodation, concert tickets, meals, etc.

Impressions by a former participant of the program

“It was a really exciting visiting programme. Even though the program was intense, it worked really well to be bombarded with impressions. I took a lot with me from there, both concrete experiences and lots of food for thought. After the trip, I got in touch with several ensembles and a festival director.“ – Mads Emil Dreyer, composer. Participated in the visiting programme in September 2022

This project is happening in collaboration with inm / field notes Berlin, Centre National de la Musique, Fonds Podiumkunsten Netherlands, Iceland Music, Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg, Austrian Music Export, Music Finland, Music Norway, Schweizer Kulturstiftung Pro Helvetia

*Note: If you’re selected for the program as part of the Danish delegate, it’s mandatory that you have travel insurance.