The EU co-funded Innovation Network of European Showcases (INES) has opened applications for its young artist pool INES#talent. Until 31 July 2020 musicians can apply online via the booking platform gigmit. 20 European showcase festivals will award over 70 slots to artists from the INES#talent pool in 2021.
INES is committed to the promotion of talent and international synergies for music creators and artists throughout Europe. Since 2017 the Creative Europe co-financed programme provides the infrastructure for international talent discovery – initiated by the Berlin-based tech company gigmit together with 8 European showcase festivals: MENT Ljubljana (SI), Sonic Visions (LU), Monkey Week (ES), Westway LAB (PT), Liverpool Sound City (UK), Waves Vienna (AU), Enea Spring Break (PL) and Live at Heart (SE). In the meantime, INES has grown significantly and is now a network of 20 showcase festivals in 19 European countries.
The new INES#talents 2021 will be announced in October. The 20 showcase festivals of the participating countries will then choose live acts from the INES#talent pool for their international line-up. Over 70 slots are reserved for INES#talents. Contrary to common practice, festival tickets and a conference pass, catering and hotel costs will be covered for INES#talents. A minimum fee of 250€ as well as the basic backline is guaranteed.
INES#talents present their music to industry experts and decision-makers from all over Europe. Each of the INES partner festivals nominates between two and ten promising and export-ready artists from their own country for the INES#talent pool. In 2021 all INES#festivals will book international artists from the common talent pool. In this way, 349 artists have been selected as INES#talents so far. 187 of them have already been booked for INES#festivals and thus received the opportunity to tour in Europe and reach audiences outside their home countries.
Applications are open until 31 July 2020!
Apply here