Open Call
FESTSPILLENE I NORD-NORGE INVITES ARTISTS FROM ALL PRACTICES TO APPLY FOR CO-PRODUCTION THROUGH OUR OPEN CALL PROGRAM. THROUGH THE PROGRAM WE WANT TO FACILITATE ARTISTIC PROCESSES IN DIALOGUE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL ART FIELD. THE PROJECTS WILL HAVE ITS PREMIERE DURING FESTSPILLENE I NORD-NORGE 2026.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 18 AUGUST 2024
The program extends over a 2-year period and has physical as well as digital meeting points. With this programme, we want to facilitate long-term and stable processes for artists with connections to Northern Norway. Up to three projects will be selected based on application and interviews. Each project will be assigned an international mentor from the festival's network. The Open Call program is in collaboration with Talent Norge and Sparebank1 Nord-Norge. This means that the artists who become part of our Open Call program also become part of a national network of talent schemes. Applicants must live, originate from or work in Northern Norway.
As an Open Call artist, you get:
Co-production support of up to NOK 150,000
Covered technical costs, travel and accommodation for up to 10 people in connection with the premiere
Mentor who accompanies you and your project from approved application to premiere
A collegium in the form of other artists active in the Open Call program and talent programs in northern Norway in general
Invitation to professional gatherings under the auspices of the North Norwegian cluster
Offer of guidance from the festival's producer in connection with applications
Offer for coaching from Talent Norway
Close follow-up by the Festival's production team leading up to the premiere
Artists from all practices can apply: Music, theatre, dance, circus, visual art etc. We accept projects aimed at all target groups, but projects aimed at children and young people are particularly encouraged to apply. As a festival, we value art that has a conscious relationship with its audience - who they are, what they will experience and the effect art has on its audience.
From application to premiere:
In the assessment of relevant projects, priority will be given to projects dealing with one or more of the following focus areas:
Genre transcendence
Young newly established artists
Regional or international cooperation
Future-oriented thematically and in terms of form
Children and young people as target group
All applications are assessed by the director and producer of Festspillene i Nord-Norge. A selection of the submitted projects is taken forward for assessment by a professional jury consisting of three external cultural specialists. A selection of projects is then called for an interview. We ask applicants to consider what they want/desire from the Open Call program in the application. A response to the application can be expected during October. The mentor is chosen in consultation with the director. In the run-up to the premiere, artist and mentor will meet digitally, as well as physically during gatherings organized by the Festspillene. One of the physical meetings will take place during Culture Night in Harstad in October 2024, where the artists will have work displays open to the public. The project will premiere during Festspillene i Nord-Norge 2026. Festspillene i Nord-Norge does not fully finance projects, so it is encouraged to apply for supplementary funds.
Artists admitted to the program are expected to physically participate in the following:
Open Call collection during Culture Night in Harstad, 18 - 20 October 2024
Talent Academy during the Festivals in Norway-Norway, 23.-25. June 2025
Work display during Culture Night in Harstad, October 2025
Premiere + talent academy during the Northern Norway Festival, June 2026
Travel and accommodation are covered by the programme. In addition to the meeting places mentioned above, the artists are invited to professional gatherings under the auspices of the North Norwegian cluster - a North Norwegian network for all talent ventures in the region.
This is how you apply
You apply through the application form here: https://form.arkon.no/?id=9907&key=KJqqoy
Fill in the form and upload the project description, budget and other relevant information as attachments. In the project description, it is important that the project's motivation and vision are made clear: Why this project and why right now? The application must include:
Applicant's connection to Northern Norway
The project's link to one or more of the call's focus areas
Project description outlining the project's vision, motivation and target group
Budget that states expected income and expenses
CV/information about the project's performers and any production equipment
Description of the utility value of the Open Call program for the applicant
For questions, contact producer Eirin Lindtner Storesund at eirin.lindtner@festspillnn.no
The Open Call program is supported by Talent Norge and Sparebank1 Nord-Norge.
