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#welshmusicabroad are committed to showcasing the very best in new Welsh music on the international stage. Here we post a range of exciting international showcasing opportunities throughout the year, open to artists from Wales.
How do the open calls work? In the case of the international showcase opportunities promoted here by FOCUS Wales, we promote the application process in conjunction with our partners. The application period typically runs for a number of weeks, allowing ample time for Welsh artists to submit their applications. Once the deadline has passed, the host event booker will in most cases take up to 2 months to work through the numerous applications before arriving at their selections, and then eventually issuing the invitations. It’s important to note that the FOCUS Wales team do not select the artists for the international events. FOCUS Wales create the opportunity, support the artists in the lead up to the event, and support the artist on the ground during the showcase event.
Please direct any questions regarding our international showcase opportunities to info@focuswales.com to arrange a call with one of the team.
See the latest opportunities to showcase your talent across the globe below.
More opportunities will be announced shortly…
Ty Cerdd Bursary for jazzahead! 2026
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LOCATION:
Bremen, Germany - Start Date:
April 22, 2026 -
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE:
February 4, 2026
Two bursaries available for jazzahead! – Bremen, 22-25 April 2026
jazzahead! is a trade fair, conference and showcase festival – with contemporary, high-profile jazz from Germany, Europe and overseas. From 22 to 25 April 2026, the jazz world will come together in Bremen to network, exchange ideas, attend conferences and panels, and experience 38 showcase concerts in the official programme over four packed days.
This year Tŷ Cerdd (with support from Wales Arts International) is offering 2 bursaries to support attendance as delegates.
Tŷ Cerdd (Music Centre Wales) will be managing the Welsh presence at the event – including a Cymru/Wales stand at the expo. Bursary holders will have accommodation and delegate pass booked for them, and will be given some support towards travel-and-subsistence.
For any organisations or individuals wanting to find out more about jazzahead!, the opportunities it provides and the bursaries we’re offering, we’re holding a 30-minute Zoom information session on Wednesday 28 January @ 17:30. We’ll talk about the event, how the delegation will be supported, and there’ll be time for your questions. REGISTER HERE
GET MORE INFO AND APPLY BELOW
Ty Cerdd Bursary for Classical:NEXT 2026
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LOCATION:
Budapest, Hungary - Start Date:
April 8, 2026 -
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE:
February 4, 2026
Two bursaries available for Classical:NEXT, Budapest, 8-11 April 2026
Classical:NEXT is the global networking and exchange hub dedicated exclusively to classical and art music, for all professionals – artists, managers, presenters, orchestras, labels, educators, press, media, publishers and more. The event includes an interactive conference, project pitches, showcase concerts, expo, and networking. By taking part in Classical:NEXT, you join over 1,000 professionals from more than 45 countries from around the world.
The event takes place this year in Budapest from 8 to 11 April, and Tŷ Cerdd (with support from Wales Arts International) is offering two bursaries to support attendance as delegates.
Tŷ Cerdd (Music Centre Wales) will be managing the Welsh presence at the event – including a Cymru/Wales stand at the expo. Bursary holders will have accommodation and delegate pass booked for them, and will be given some support towards travel-and-subsistence.
For any organisations or individuals wanting to find out more about Classical:NEXT, the opportunities it provides and the bursaries we’re offering, we’re holding a 30-minute Zoom information session on Wednesday 28 January @ 17:00. We’ll talk about the event, how the delegation will be supported, and there’ll be time for your Q&As. REGISTER HERE
GET MORE INFO AND APPLY BELOW
SXSW 2026
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LOCATION:
Austin, Texas, USA - Start Date:
March 12, 2026 -
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE:
October 24, 2025
SXSW Music Festival Showcasing Artists can take advantage of career-changing showcase opportunities and unprecedented access to the amazing mix of influential industry participants who attend SXSW every year.
ESNS 2026
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LOCATION:
Groningen, The Netherlands - Start Date:
January 14, 2026 -
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE:
September 1, 2025
ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag) is a non-profit organisation and independent platform dedicated to the promotion and discovery of new European and Dutch music.
Founded in 1986, ESNS hosts an annual four-day showcase festival and music conference across venues in Groningen, the Netherlands. Uncover the most enthralling emerging European (Eurosonic) and Dutch (Noorderslag) acts ranging from mainstream pop to progressive finds during the festival, which sets the stage for leading European festivals. Expand your knowledge of industry-leading topics and innovation during the conference, geared at trailblazing the music industry towards a sustainable future.
M for Montreal 2025
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LOCATION:
Montreal, Quebec, Canada - Start Date:
November 19, 2025 -
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE:
June 18, 2025
M for Montreal is pleased to open music submissions for Wales based artists for our exciting collaboration with FOCUS Wales. This partnership is designed to offer reciprocal business and showcasing opportunities welcoming artists from Wales to the M for Montreal: Showcase Festival & Conference, which will next take place in Montreal, QC, Canada, over 19th-22nd November, 2025 https://mpourmontreal.com/en/
Submissions are open to Wales based artists of all genres, via this form, through until 5pm (UK) on Wednesday 18th June. All submissions must be completed within this time.
Please note that this opportunity is open exclusively to original music artists from Wales.
Pro Weekend 2025
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LOCATION:
Castellon, Spain - Start Date:
October 15, 2025 -
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE:
June 20, 2025
FOCUS Wales is pleased to open music submissions for Wales based artists for our exciting collaboration with Pro Weekend: Showcase Festival & Conference, which will next take place in Castellón, Spain, over 15-18 October, 2025 www.proweekendfest.com
What’s included for the selected artist:
- €500 performance fee.
- Ground transport between Valencia (VLC) or Castellón (CDT) Airport and the festival.
- Hotel accommodation during the festival.
- Full standard backline provided.
- Catering on performance day.
- 30-minute showcase slot at one of the festival’s official venues.
- Professional photography and video of your live set.
- Delegate and showcase passes for you and your team (e.g. management, booking agent).
Submissions are open to Wales based artists of all genres through until 5pm (UK) on Friday 20th June. All submissions must be completed within this time.
Please note that this opportunity is open exclusively to new original music artists from Wales.
BreakOut West 2025
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LOCATION:
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - Start Date:
September 24, 2025 -
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE:
June 16, 2025
BreakOut West is pleased to open music submissions for Wales based artists for our exciting collaboration with FOCUS Wales. This partnership is designed to offer reciprocal business and showcasing opportunities welcoming artists from Wales to the BreakOut West: Showcase Festival & Conference, which will next take place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, over September 24 - 28, 2025 https://breakoutwest.ca/
Submissions are open to Wales based artists of all genres through until 5pm (UK) on Monday 16th June. All submissions must be completed within this time.
Please note that this opportunity is open exclusively to new original music artists from Wales.
Reeperbahn Festival 2025
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LOCATION:
Hamburg, Germany - Start Date:
September 17, 2025 -
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE:
July 1, 2025
Hamburg's Reeperbahn festival is europe's largest club festival and international platform for pop culture, it transforms Hamburg into the centre of the international music scene once a year. Together with artists and visitors the festival unleashes new talent, creates special moments and expands musical horizons for all. The festival is guided by diversity, sustainability and gender equality. Reeperbahn are a founding member of the Keychange initiative and are committed to a 50/50 gender quota at festivals and music organisations worldwide.