We are excited to reopen our callout for artists to participate in the 2024 edition of hcmf// shorts, taking place at the festival this November. Through this open call, we will select five emerging artists and ensembles to perform as part of hcmf// 2024 and receive our support in developing their career.
About hcmf// shorts
hcmf// shorts is a performance and mentoring opportunity for emerging artists working across the UK. A staple of the festival for many years, the initiative has evolved into a full day of free-to-attend concerts showcasing the best in emerging musical talent. Every year, hcmf// shorts takes place on the Monday of the festival, providing a platform for emerging artists to present new works or innovative interpretations of existing contemporary repertoire at the UK’s leading new music festival.
As part of hcmf// shorts, the festival provides a mentoring programme which sees artists selected from each year’s open call receive support across all aspects of their professional development. Artists involved in the programme will also become members of our Fielding Talent family – connecting them to other performers and composers we provide mentoring support to.
Successful applicants will receive a fee of £1,000 plus travel and accommodation in relation to the performance.
Teresa Winter and Christopher Duffin performing at hcmf// shorts 2023 © Point Of View
How to apply
The hcmf// shorts callout is open to UK-based artists. We are looking for project proposals that are a maximum of 20 minutes in duration (including any changeovers between pieces). Applicants must be available on Monday 18 November 2024, when hcmf// shorts performances will take place.
To apply, please email the following material to info@hcmf.co.uk with the subject line ‘hcmf// shorts application 2024’:
– A completed application form (click here to download)
– A completed monitoring form (click here to download)
– A project proposal
Proposals may be written (in Word/PDF format, one side of A4 max), or they can take the form of a short video (2 minutes max). Video proposals must not be in the style of a trailer/promo video, and should feature the applicant describing the project as per the guidelines above.
– Supporting audio material
Please ensure that audio material is directly relevant to your proposal. Please send audio material in the form of web links (MP3/4 attachments will not be accepted).
Please ensure your project proposal includes the following:
– A clear description of your project
– Instrumentation details (if applicable)
– Repertoire details, including piece titles and durations (if applicable)
– Details of any specific technical requirements
The deadline for proposal submissions is Monday 15 April by 10.00am BST. Only one proposal per artist/ensemble will be accepted.
About the selection process
The hcmf// shorts open call selection panel always consists of at least 3 people (at least one of whom is always external to hcmf//), who shortlist the applications independently before coming together to make a final decision. All panellists assess every single application – hcmf// does not make any initial pre-selections or shortlists. Due to the number of applications we receive, we are not able to provide unsuccessful applicants with individual feedback on their submission. All applicants will receive a decision by Friday 3 May.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the callout, please contact us at info@hcmf.co.uk.
hcmf// shorts: open call 2024 is part of the Sounds Now project co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union