Open call: Milwaukee Sonic Arts Festival seeks electronic music, sonic art submissions

The festival will explore technology as a means of sonic expression while showcasing electronic music from the region and creating opportunities for artists working in electroacoustic and experimental practices to connect and develop their work.

Submissions are open to artists from anywhere, although attendance at the festival is required. Organisers note that artists and presenters based in the US Midwest may find it easier to participate in person.

There is no submission or registration fee.

Who can apply?

The call is open to:

• Composers
• Performers
• Composer-performers
• Researchers and presenters working in electronic music and transdisciplinary art

Performance submissions

Works incorporating electronics in any form are eligible, including:

• Fixed-media works
• Instrumental or vocal works with electronics
• Live electronic improvisations
• Audiovisual works
• Works for featured performers and electronics
• Works performed by the composer or by a performer supplied by the applicant

Submissions may use stereo, quadraphonic, 5.1, 7.1 or 8.1 double-diamond loudspeaker configurations and may include video.

The festival’s featured performers, flautist Jennifer Clippert and percussionist Alex Weir, will present selected works and offer one-to-one workshops with composers ahead of the event.

Applicants may submit solos or duos, while works involving piccolo, alto, soprano and bass flutes are encouraged. Percussion works are also welcome, although the practicality of the proposed setup will be considered during the selection process.

Applicants should provide:

• A score, where applicable
• An audio recording or other audio representation of the work, which is required
• The name of the performer or performers, where applicable
• A technical rider outlining equipment and staging requirements

Presentation and workshop submissions

The festival will host up to two presentation and workshop sessions, each lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes. Submissions should address a topic related to electronic music and/or transdisciplinary art.

Applicants can propose:

• A 15-minute presentation
• A 30-minute presentation
• A 1-hour-and-15-minute workshop

Applicants should submit an abstract and outline of their presentation or workshop proposal. Those proposing a paper presentation should also provide the completed paper.

Deadline and selection

All submissions must be received by Sunday, 30 August 2026. Entries will be reviewed by faculty members and students from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, with applicants expected to receive a decision within one to two weeks of the deadline.

The festival will include three free public performances, as well as presentations and workshops scheduled for 1.30pm and 6pm at the MB60 Electronic Music Studio. No tickets are required for the public performances.

Interested artists can submit their work through the festival’s submission form.

View the original call here.

Disclaimer: Opportunities published on this platform are provided by external organisers. While we aim to share accurate and current calls, Music In Africa is not responsible for the organisation, management or delivery of any related events or programmes.