Open call: hcmf// shorts 2023

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.

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 20 November 2023, 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 2023’:

– A completed application form

– A completed monitoring form 

– 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 Friday 24 March by 11.59pm GMT. Only one proposal per artist/ensemble will be accepted.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the callout, please contact us at info@hcmf.co.uk.

For further information and application/menoring forms please see more info