Special Call for Concepts for Pop Music Projects 2020

Musicboard is pleased to support 27 innovative and diverse projects with a total volume of 293,715 euros as part of its Special Call for Concepts for Pop Music Projects.

By the application deadline on 13 July 2020, 88 applications with a total volume of 1,537,075 euros had been submitted in the funding programme that has been announced in 2020 as an addition to the regular funding schedule.

Applications were open to pop music projects that can take place under the present COVID-19 containment measures, that test innovative approaches to the current music-cultural challenges or that deal with the effects of the Corona crisis on their own work processes and the Berlin music scene.

Among the selected projects are digital concepts, such as workshop and networking formats, as well as indoor and outdoor live events.

As the initiative Draußen spielt die Musik! by the Senate Department for Culture and Europe argues for the testing of small-scale cultural formats with exemplary security concepts in public urban spaces, Musicboard is happy to support both open-air events and stakeholders of Berlins music scene that provide access to music-cultural life for the urban society in times of pandemic. Through funding projects with innovative concepts for the safe use of indoor spaces, it will furthermore be possible to implement music events beyond the summer months.

Besides, a study conducted by DISK Agency will look into the potential of streaming formats for artists in times of transformation.

Dr. Klaus Lederer, Senator for Culture and Europe, comments: »In these challenging times, it is especially important to strengthen Berlin’s music scene, to find and take new paths. I am very pleased with the creativity of the submitted concepts that strive to bring up a live experience of pop culture. Live experiences that we had to miss out on for far too long. I would therefore like to congratulate all the funded organisers and look forward to the implementation of their exceptional project ideas.«

The following organisers receive a grant for their projects:

The jury is composed of experts and professionals of the Berlin music scene: Andrea Wünsche (booker Monkeytown Booking), Anja Caspary (head of music at radioeins), Detlef Diederichsen – (head of music and performing arts at HKW – Haus der Kulturen der Welt), Jens Uthoff (journalist, author for taz), Vivian Perkovic (journalist, host of Deutschlandfunk Kultur and 3sat Kulturzeit).
Once again, the jury attached great importance to the promotion of young talent, diversity, accessibility and inclusion.

The Jury remarks: »We were impressed with the high quality of the applications and the inventiveness of the musicians and organisers. We are particularly pleased that in the current situation music culture can find its outside spaces.«

An overview of all funded projects of the Special Call for Concepts 2020 will soon be available here.

Press Release:
PM_Special_Call_for_Concepts_EN_2020