Call for applications: KUPP 3.0

About the programme

KUPP is a collaboration between the Norwegian Society of Composers and Music Norway, supported by Talent Norge, Sparebankstiftelsen DNB, and Det norske komponistfond.

The programme provides participants with time, resources, and professional support to develop their artistic practice and strengthen their international presence.

During the programme, participants will work with topics such as:

• international strategy and positioning
• artistic profile and communication
• project development and funding
• digital strategies and promotion
  
• meetings with curators, festivals, and other industry professionals

The work takes the participants' own artistic projects as its starting point.

During the programme period, participants will compose a new, smaller work, to be completed before the final session in autumn 2027.

What do the participants receive?

Participants in KUPP receive:

• composer's fee: NOK 100,000
• project funding: NOK 30,000 for production and promotion
• five programme gatherings with workshops and meetings with relevant industry actors/professionals
• individual mentoring (mentor of the participant’s choice)
• travel support to attend an international industry event or networking gathering in 2027

Participants will also meet international curators, festivals, ensembles and other key actors in the contemporary music field.

In addition, participants will receive information and invitations to relevant industry events organised by Music Norway and the Norwegian Society of Composers during the programme period.

Programme period

The programme runs over 18 months and consists of five gatherings.

Tentative dates:

• 20-21 August 2026
• 16–17 November 2026
• 11–12 February 2027
• April 2027 (TBC)
• October 2027 (TBC)

Participants are expected to attend all gatherings and work actively between sessions. If any of the dates present a conflict, please indicate this in your application.

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for composers who:

• work professionally within the field of contemporary music / art music field
• have a distinct artistic profile
• are motiveted to develop international activity and collaboration

The selected group of six composers will represent a diversity of artistic practices and perspectives. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a brief online interview.

Application deadline: May 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM / 13:00 (CET)

Read in Norwegian here