Manchester Collective: EXPERIMENTA 2026

About the Open Call

EXPERIMENTA is designed for music creators to explore new ideas and approaches to devising work through collaboration with Manchester Collective’s musicians and team. The program is specifically aimed at amplifying underrepresented voices and providing room for artistic risk-taking. It includes a Manchester-based residency, professional mentoring, and workshops, culminating in a live sharing event.

What is Offered

A bursary of £1,125, travel and accommodation support, access to professional musicians (Héloïse Werner and Beibei Wang), workshops, 1-2-1 mentoring sessions, and a live sharing event.

Requirements

Applicants must create original music, be aged 18+, and be based in or from the North of England. They must have experienced barriers to the classical music sector and must not have completed conservatoire training or studied classical composition at university level. Applicants cannot be in full-time education.

How to Apply

Submit the online application form. Applicants can provide written (approx. 200 words), audio, or video (max 5 mins) answers to questions regarding their creative practice, relationship with contemporary classical music, and barriers faced. Up to three examples of recent work must be linked.