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For Young Artists, Competition Laureates, Music Professionals:

Conference Schedule / International Forum "Inspiring the Future"

For WFIMC Members:

Conference Schedule / Forum & General Assembly 

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Registration/ Application form 

Rules and Regulations

2026 WFIMC International Forum Inspiring the Future 

World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC), is pleased to invite applications for the 2026 WFIMC International Forum, Inspiring the Future.

This initiative is designed to support the international career development of emerging musicians and to expand their global professional networks. More than simply providing support for event participation, the program aims to help young artists and competiton laureates build sustainable connections and collaborative opportunities within the international arts ecosystem, while also exploring new pathways for career development and international exchange.

1. Program Overview

A. Program Title
2026 WFIMC International Forum, Inspiring the Future

B. Event Dates
June 16 (Tue) – June 19 (Fri), 2026
※ Optional programs will be offered on June 19 (Fri).

C. Venue
Vilnius Town Hall and other locations in Vilnius, Lithuania

D. Organizers
World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC)
Center for International Cultural Projects

E. Cooperating Organizations
Arts Council Korea, Gerber-ten Bosch Caritative Foundation, Zurich, ActinArt Network, Stockholm

F. Main Program Components
International forum, thematic sessions, workshops, concerts, showcases, artist talks, networking programs, and related events

※ detailed schedule and program are subject to change depending on the organizers’ circumstances.

2. Eligibility and Number of Participants

A. Eligibility
Emerging musicians who are preparing to enter, or are already active in, the international music scene

B. Applicant Profile
Applicants must be aged 35 or under and interested in expanding their engagement with the global music field, developing an international career, and building collaborative networks. Eligible applicants may include, but are not limited to:

• Graduate students in music-related academic fields
• Young artists
• Emerging and professional performers
• Academic Scholars

C. Number of Participants

Approximately 40 participants

※ The reference date for age eligibility and nationality requirements will follow the details specified on the application page.

3. Program Purpose and Content

This forum serves as an international career platform for the next generation of musicians. It aims to broaden participants’ opportunities to connect with concert venues, international competitions, educational institutions, artists, and presenters who are actively engaged in the European cultural and music scene.

Participants will take part in programs centered on key contemporary artistic topics, including:

• Creative programming and storytelling-based performance planning
• New performance formats and stage language
• Development of new live audiences
• Building digital communities and strengthening artists’ online presence
• Showcases, artist talks, open stages, and networking programs

Through these experiences, participants will gain insight into current global standards and career strategies, while also expanding their professional networks in ways that may lead to future collaboration with international institutions, artists, and presenters.

※ Please refer to the attached materials for information on major programs and invited speakers. Detailed speakers and program arrangements are subject to change depending on operational circumstances.

4. Support Provided

A. Selected participants will receive support for participation fees (350EUR), accommodation, and transportation expenses related to attending the event.

B. Participants will have opportunities to engage with international experts and institutions, expand their professional networks, and explore possibilities for future collaboration.

C. Active participation is encouraged in a number of sessions: 1) “WFIMC Lounge”- an open podium to perform; 2) Artistic Project Pitching Session; 3) Artist Showcase (details to be announced at a later time)

D. Selected Participants may submit the plan for a creative project 

5. Artistic Project and Showcase

A. Selected participants may submit a proposal for an artistic project of their choice 

B. The proposal must be in writing, in English, and should be no longer than 2000 words 

C. Projects may be creative ideas for programming, festivals, performance series, cross-over performances in a variety of disciplines. Projects must contain a musical component. 

D. A jury of 5 distinguished artists and arts managers will select up to 5 projects to be presented in a showcase at the Forum in Vilnius 

E. The participants selected for the showcase are then asked to present their creative project for the conference audience in Vilnius 

F. Upon completion of the showcase, the conference audience (WFIMC members, artists, professionals) will vote to determine the winner(s). 

G. The artist receiving the highest number of Votes will receive a cash award of EUR 3000. Other awards may be available and will be announced in due time

6. Application Information

A. Application Period
March 18, 2026 (Wed) – April 10, 2026 (Fri)

B. Application Method
Online submission only

C. Required Documents

• Application Form

D. Important Notes

• Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
• Applications may be excluded from review, or selection may be revoked, if submitted documents are incomplete or found to contain false information.
• Submission of a project proposal is optional. A separate review will be conducted only for those who choose to submit one.

7. Selection Procedure and Criteria

A. Stage 1
Eligibility screening and review of the completeness and appropriateness of submitted documents

B. Stage 2
Comprehensive review by the WFIMC Selection Committee

C. Evaluation Criteria

• Relevance to the purpose of the program and its content
• Need for participation in international exchange and potential for future development
• Completeness and sincerity of the application
• Creativity, specificity, and feasibility of the project proposal (for applicants who submit one)
• Financial need

8. Announcement of Results

Final results will be announced individually by email on April 20, 2026, using the email address provided in the application form.

※ The review process and announcement schedule are subject to change depending on operational circumstances.

9. Additional Notes

A. The above schedule and program are subject to change 

B. After final selection, participation may be cancelled if any of the following are confirmed: withdrawal from the program, failure to meet eligibility requirements, or false statements in submitted documents.

C. Any matters not specified in this announcement shall be governed by the relevant regulations and operational policies of the World Federation of International Music Competitions.

10. Contact

WFIMC Secretariat
fmcimfmcim.org

※ Please send all inquiries by email