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CLOSED OPEN CALL SELECTION for

NEXUS: Cross-Border Mutual Mentorship for Emerging Jazz Musicians

BACÀN offers a professionalization program to 4 under 35 European musicians

online form to participate UNTIL 30/11/24

 

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PROJECT OVERVIEW​

NEXUS is an international program aimed at building professional networks and accessing new markets for emerging jazz musicians across Europe.

The program is based on a model of mutual mentorship, market understanding, and cross-border collaboration to provide participants with tools and strategies for building sustainable careers and gaining international visibility.

 

Selected musicians will participate in 3 key project phases:

  • Online Mentorship sessions with Tami Toledo Matouka, a professional in music production and tour management, offering practical insights on navigating the European music market.

  • A One-Week Artist Residency in Vicenza, Italy, where musicians will engage in reciprocal mentorship, co-production, and collective improvisation.

  • Networking Opportunities at Europe’s top jazz showcases: Jazz Ahead in Germany and InJazz in the Netherlands, designed to expand each artist's network and exposure in the international jazz scene.

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PROGRAM ACTIVITIES​

  1. Mutual Mentorship: NEXUS features a unique peer-to-peer mentorship structure, allowing participants to learn from one another, benefiting from diverse cultural and musical backgrounds.

  2. Market Engagement and Mentorship: Through online sessions with Tami Toledo Matouka, participants will gain insights into European music markets, learning promotional strategies and skills for career development.

  3. Artistic Residency: During a week-long residency in Vicenza (North-East Italy, Venice area), participants will engage in collaborative creation and improvisation sessions, culminating in a public concert. A professional audio-video recording will document this performance, providing promotional material for each musician in the project’s second phase. During the residency, each participant will have the opportunity to develop their own “solo work” while also collaborating with others in a spirit of mutual mentorship. Throughout the residency, audio and video recordings of each solo will be produced, along with a professional photoshoot. Additionally, a postcard-style business card featuring a QR code will be created for distribution at industry events.

  4. Participation in European Jazz Events: Following the residency, participants will be showcased at prominent events such as Jazz Ahead and InJazz, creating invaluable connections and visibility in Europe’s jazz community.

 

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TIMELINE

November 30, 2024: Application deadline

December 8, 2024: Selected artists announced

December 13, 2024: Online kick-off meeting with all selected participants

January - March 2025: Online mentoring sessions with Tami Toledo Matoukaù

March 2025: One-week (5 working days) artistic residency in Vicenza, Italy

April 24-26 2025: Participation at Jazz Ahead, Germany

May 2025: First dissemination phase

June 2025: Participation at InJazz, Netherlands

July 2025: Second dissemination phase

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ELIGIBILITY​

This call is open to emerging jazz musicians, ages 18-35, from various European countries. The selection will prioritize a balanced representation of diverse musical styles, cultural backgrounds, and gender.

 

The selected applicants must guarantee their presence at all stages of the project.

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APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applications must be submitted by November 30, 2024 (23:59) via the form online.

Required documents include:

  • Full name, instrument, location, and date of birth

  • Short motivation letter or one-minute elevator pitch video (please send them in English)

  • Artist biography (English version)

  • High-resolution photos

  • Link to a live performance video (including improvisation) and a sample of one recorded music

 

 

CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION

The 4 selected musicians will benefit of:

  • a personal online mentorship by Tami Toledo;

  • a participation fee to the artistic residency of € 365,00 gross (amount in accordance with the Italian minimum daily artistic salary standard, the fee ups to € 500,00 gross if the musician is supported to an artistic agency which can send an invoice for him, A1 or "certificato di agibilità" required);

  • coverage of travels, accommodation and meals during the artistic residency;

  • coverage of travels, accommodation and meals during the visits to the two International Jazz scene showcases.

 

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SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION

The program supports emerging young musicians, with 50% of participants coming from Italy, and 50% from other European nations.  

The selection process reserves two spots for Italian musicians and ensures a gender-balanced group of participants.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of music experts, with selected artists announced by December 8, 2024.

 

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IMPACT AND OBJECTIVES

NEXUS aims to create a vibrant European jazz community, fostering professional development, cultural exchange, and artistic innovation. Through mentorship, market engagement, and cross-border collaboration, NEXUS empowers emerging artists, enhances their international reach, and actively contributes to the sustainability of jazz in Europe.Project by Associazione Culturale BACÀN with support from LiveMX.

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Project by Associazione Culturale BACÀN.

For info contact info.musicabacan@gmail.com . 

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