Organizer Information
Art Zoyd Studios is a leading contemporary music creation and production center based in Valenciennes, northern France. Known for its pioneering work in electroacoustic and electronic music, the institution has played a significant role in supporting experimental sound practices and interdisciplinary collaborations. Founded by composer Gérard Hourbette, the studio continues his legacy by fostering innovation in sound art, digital composition, and immersive audio experiences. Art Zoyd Studios collaborates with various cultural partners, including the MU collective, and actively contributes to public art initiatives that connect sound with urban environments. Through residencies, commissions, and research-based projects, the organization supports emerging and established composers working at the intersection of technology and artistic expression.
Title & Description
Le Parvis Électronique – Call for Sound Creation Projects 2026
This open call invites young composers to design and produce an original sound work for the geolocated application Le Bruit de l’air, an interactive platform that transforms public space into an immersive sonic environment. The selected artist will create a new “sonic geography” for the Gérard Hourbette Parvis, located in front of Le Phénix National Theatre in Valenciennes.
The 2026 edition focuses specifically on synthetic sound creation, encouraging composers to develop entirely original audio material generated from electronic processes rather than recorded or acoustic sources. The project explores the concept of sound as a purely constructed entity—created from imagination and digital synthesis rather than physical instruments or environmental recordings.
Participants are invited to experiment with the possibilities of contemporary electronic music, crafting innovative compositions that interact with space through geolocation technology. The final work will be integrated into the Le Bruit de l’air app, allowing audiences to experience the composition dynamically as they move through the site.
This residency emphasizes research, experimentation, and artistic innovation, while also contributing to a growing archive of site-specific sound installations that redefine how audiences engage with public spaces.
Categories
Sound Art, Music Composition, Electronic Music, Electroacoustic Music, Digital Art, New Media Art, Site-Specific Installation
Eligibility
- Open to composers under the age of 40
- International applicants are eligible
- Candidates must have experience or strong interest in electronic or electroacoustic music
- Applicants must be able to work in French or English
- Emerging composers are strongly encouraged to apply
Program Benefits & Awards
- Artist commission: €1,500
- Residency: 5-day residency at Art Zoyd Studios
- Accommodation & meals: Fully covered during residency
- Travel support: Up to €300 reimbursement
- Professional support: Guidance from a Computer Music Producer
- Public presentation: Premiere during the European Heritage Days (September 2026)
- Opportunity to create a permanent digital sound installation integrated into a public geolocation platform
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a single PDF file (maximum 15 MB) including:
- Valid ID document (proof of age)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter explaining artistic approach and interest in the project
- A representative example of previous musical work (via embedded listening link)
How to Apply?
Applications must be sent via email to: lhartzoyd@orange.fr
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 10 April 2026
- Residency Sessions (choose one):
- May 18 – May 22, 2026
- June 1 – June 5, 2026
- Premiere / Public Presentation: September 19–20, 2026 (European Heritage Days)
Location
Valenciennes, France
Additional Details
- The project is part of the ongoing Le Bruit de l’air initiative, a geolocated sound installation accessible via mobile application.
- This year’s theme strictly focuses on synthetic sound, pushing composers to invent sounds “from nothing” using digital tools and sound synthesis techniques.
- The selected artist will contribute to a growing series of sound works previously developed through this platform.
- The program emphasizes innovation in sound design and encourages bold, experimental approaches.
- The final work will be experienced by the public through movement-based interaction in an open urban space.