OPEN CALL

MOST - BALKAN MUSIC EXPORT

The Balkan Music Export pillar aims to support world music artists from all related
subgenres (using a broad definition of world music that includes traditional, folk,
ethno, ethno-jazz, global beats, conscious, sacred and beyond), to connect to the
global music market.

Altogether 12 artists will be selected in this call. We hold up 3 places especially to

encourage world music artists with a more spiritual music approach and also
conscious music performers who can present their skills in performances that boost
mind, body and spirit, and present a connection to nature and mindfulness. The rest
of the places will be open for all kinds of world music artists as defined above.

The project aims to jump-start the international career of artists in several ways. Every
year at least 10 artists will be enrolled in the Balkan Music Export pillar, receiving
support and greater visibility to create a buzz about world music from the Balkans

The project’s scope in the Balkan region includes the following countries: Serbia,
Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo*, Albania, Macedonia, Romania
and Bulgaria

Please note that the working language of the project is English.

What we offer:

Training and artistic promotion

● Financial support for creating a new artist portfolio (photo, video & audio
materials)
● 1-year-long mentorship programme with the most recognised music professionals
from Europe
● 5-day-long training course on band management and artist portfolio in Novi
Sad, during the EXIT Festival 2022 (July 2022)
● Feature on the MOST Artist Selection CD issued by Songlines, promoted at
the WOMEX22 special issue

1
This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ
Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
1
Participation at showcases and networking events
● Performing opportunity for a number of selected bands at the MOST
Showcase hosted by EXIT Festival in Novi Sad, the European Capital of
Culture in 2022
● Financial support for showcasinp opportunities in Europe (e.p. WOMEX22,
PIN, Tallinn Music Week etc.)
● Participation in WOMEX22 as delegates
● Representation through the the project and the MOST Artist Selection CD at
several regional fairs
● Networking opportunities with music professionals and artists from Western Europe
and from the Balkans

What we cover*:
● Artist portfolio: production costs
● Training course: travel and accommodation costs (max. 2 artists / band)
● International showcases: travel and accommodation costs, registration fee
● WOMEX22 delegate participation: travel and accommodation costs, registration fee
(max. 2 artists / band)

*The amount of financial support is defined by taking into consideration the

size of the band. local costs. etc. as well as the recommendations and rules of
the Creative Europe programme. Some caps on financial support might be
introduced to ensure equal opportunities for all selected participants.

Selection criteria:
● artist’s international potential
● diversity of selected artists by style, to match the profile of showcase events
In Round 2, we hold up 5 places especially to encourage world music
artists with a more spiritual music approach and also conscious music
performers who can present their skills in performances that boost
mind, body and spirit, and present a connection to nature and
mindfulness.
● popularity/artistic quality
● long-term engagement with the project
● quality of artist‘s basic infrastructure (web, communication)
● artist’s local audience size
 ● quality of existing audio and video material (technical and artistic)
● diversity of selected artists by sub-scenes in world music (e.g. sevdah, brass
bands, etc.)
● diversity of selected artists by gender
● diversity of selected artists by geography

How to apply

● Please fill out the application form.

● Deadline for submission: 12 December 2021

Indicative timetable

Publication of the Call - 10 November 2021

Deadline for submitting applications - 12 December 2021
Programme kick-off: bepinninp of 2022

Timeline of activities:

1, CALL - November 2021: An open call will be announced for world music bands and
artists, to apply to the Balkan Music Export pillar.

2, SELECTION December 2021: 12 artists will be selected and announced by the

Jury.

3, MENTORSHIP - all year long, 2022: Mentors develop the steps for the artists‘
marketing and management strategies, assist them in choosing the showcase festival
that might have the biggest impact on the artist’s career. Mentors act as the artists’
‘ambassador’ in the professional world during the mentoring period

4, ARTIST PORTFOLIO - all year long, 2022: Mentors and artists work jointly on the
artists’ portfolio, including boosting their online presence and producing new
recordings and videos
5, MOST Artist Selection CD - Spring 2022: Songlines, the renowned world music
magazine publishes a special selection CD featuring artists of the Balkan Music
Export Round 2. The CD will be an insert in one of the Spring editions of the
magazine, distributed to subscribers all around the world

6, TRAINING COURSE - 3uly 2022: In the summer of 2022, during the EXIT festival
artists get a 5-day training, covering the following elements: production:
communication with audience: digital presence. The program also functions as a jam
workshop, where artists have the chance to work closely together and inspire each
other.

7, PARTICIPATION AT MOST SHOWCASE HOSTED BY EXIT FESTIVAL - 3uly 2022: A

number of selected bands will have the opportunity to showcase their music on the
stage at EXIT Festival 2022. The Festival will host a special event next summer in
Novi Sad, the European Capital of Culture in 2022, dedicated to MOST and the
music of the Balkan region. The showcase will be combined with a conference and
delegate programme, inviting 100+ delegates from all over Europe.

8, PARTICIPATION AT INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASES all year long, 2022: Under

the
mentoring program artists will have the support to be introduced in at least one major
European showcase. Mentors support artists and might accompany them to international
events, introducing them to music managers and giving them professional advice.

9, WOMEX 2022 - October, 2022: Participating as delegates at WOMEX is a

great opportunity for band members to engape in networking with mentors, partners
and jury members of MOST and beyond. Showcase concerts and conference
sessions are an important source of inspiration for bands that will be also encouraged
to apply in the official showcase selection of WOMEX. Bands will be promoted via the
Artist Selection CD by Sonplines as well.

Disclaimers

Coronavirus (COVID-19) disclaimer

In view of the current international situation regarding the coronavirus (COVID-
19) pandemic, we reserve the right to make changes in the content of the
programme. Events that are affected by travel restrictions might be postponed or
held online