Organizer Information
The Bydgoszcz City of Music is an official member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, recognized for its strong commitment to musical heritage, contemporary production, and international collaboration. Based in Bydgoszcz, the institution actively supports artistic mobility, intercultural exchange, and innovative music projects. The city has a longstanding reputation as a cultural and musical hub in Central Europe, hosting festivals, orchestras, conservatories, and interdisciplinary initiatives. Through its
residency programs and public events, Bydgoszcz
City of Music fosters cross-border dialogue and provides structural support to professional musicians seeking time and space for focused creative development.
Title & Description
BPM DUO Music Residency 2026
The BPM DUO Music Residency is a three-week international production residency designed for two professional musicians who have not previously collaborated. The program supports the development of a new joint musical project, offering residents dedicated time, shared workspace, and accommodation in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
The residency responds to the increasingly fast-paced dynamics of the global music industry by creating an environment that encourages experimentation, collaboration, and meaningful artistic exchange. Openness, co-creation, and cross-cultural dialogue are at the core of this initiative. Selected duos will work intensively on a new artistic concept proposed in their application and engage with the local music community.
In addition to focused project development, residents are expected to:
- Participate in a meeting with Bydgoszcz’s local music community and present their artistic practices.
- Present the results of their residency during a public concert at the end of the program.
Depending on the artistic concept, selected artists may also gain access to professional recording studio facilities.
Categories
- Music
- Sound Art
- Composition
- Experimental Music
- Interdisciplinary Music Practices
- Performance
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Open to musicians residing in European Union countries (excluding Poland).
- Applicants must be aged 21 or over.
- Only duos may apply (applications from individuals will not be accepted).
- The two musicians must not have previously collaborated.
- Applicants should demonstrate professional artistic experience.
International collaboration within the EU context is strongly encouraged.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected residents will receive:
- Honorarium: €500 per resident for the three-week residency period.
- Travel Support: Reimbursement of round-trip travel costs up to €300 per person.
- Accommodation: Shared housing provided for the entire residency.
- Workspace: Dedicated creative workspace throughout the program.
- Studio Access: Potential access to a professional recording studio (number of hours determined after selection, depending on project needs).
- Public Presentation: Opportunity to present the residency outcome in a public concert.
- Networking: Direct engagement with Bydgoszcz’s local music community and international cultural networks.
This structure ensures both financial support and professional visibility.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application in English, including:
- A short bio or CV for each musician.
- At least two selected works per applicant representing their artistic practice (audio or audio-visual recordings via links to platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, etc.).
- A letter of intent including an initial residency project plan (maximum one A4 page).
- A completed and signed application form.
- Two photographs of each applicant (for promotional use if selected).
- A signed GDPR data-processing consent form.
Only complete applications will be reviewed. All decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
How to Apply?
Application Form must be submitted via email to:
residencies@bydgoszczmusic.pl
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 10 March 2026
- Notification of Results: 22 March 2026
Residency Period Options:
- Residency 1: 04 May 2026 – 24 May 2026
- Residency 2: 01 June 2026 – 21 June 2026
Applicants must select one residency period in their application.
Location
Bydgoszcz, Poland
Additional Details
The program emphasizes artistic experimentation and first-time collaboration between musicians. The residency is production-focused, meaning participants are expected to actively develop and refine the project proposed in their application.
Engagement with the local cultural ecosystem is an essential component of the residency. Selected artists should be prepared to participate in public programming and community exchange.
Accommodation and workspace are fully provided, ensuring residents can concentrate on artistic development without logistical constraints. Studio access, when applicable, will be tailored to the specific needs of the selected project.
