The Freundschaft project aims to strengthen the presence of Danish jazz in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria through a new two-year career development program. Six bands will be selected and given two years to promote their presence and career in the three countries, often referred to as the GSA countries (Germany, Switzerland, Austria). You can now apply to be a part of it.

Building on experience from previous initiatives

Since 2013, JazzDanmark has had a focused effort in Germany, initially through the Danish Vibes project and later with the Neustart initiative. Now, JazzDanmark is ready with a new effort in Germany, building on the extensive network and experiences in the region. This time, the initiative expands to also include neighboring countries Switzerland and Austria. The Freundschaft project will run for the next three years, with open application rounds in 2024 and 2025.

Tailored strategic effort for each band

The goal of Freundschaft is to strengthen the selected participants’ presence and career opportunities in the three countries. The project targets musicians who have previously performed in one or more of the three countries and now wish to enhance their presence through a larger, strategic effort, coordinated with JazzDanmark. Freundschaft is open to both established and up-and-coming bands/artists, allowing anyone interested in a two-year career-advancing journey to apply. The program will be shaped in accordance with the musicians’ own visions and plans.

Submit your application for Freundschaft 2024 HERE!

Deadline applications is Wednesday the 17th of April (at 23.59). You can expect a response no later than 4 weeks after the deadline.

The project includes

• Three selected ensembles/artists will receive a tailor-made strategic program focusing on the GSA countries (Germany, Switzerland, and Austria), facilitated by the participants themselves in close collaboration with JazzDanmark’s project leader Lars Thor Jensen.
• The program will result in a strategic plan for 2024-2026, and each ensemble/artist will receive DKK 60,000 to implement it.
• The funds are earmarked for activities in the GSA countries and must include at least four concerts in one or more of the three focus countries.
• In addition to the strategic program and specific activities, the ensemble/band will participate in workshops and joint meetings with the other selected participants, facilitated by JazzDanmark.
• The funds can be used to cover expenses such as marketing, hotel accommodation, transport, fees, etc., arranged according to the contents of the strategic plan developed in collaboration with JazzDanmark.

A total of six ensembles/artists will be selected for the project. The first three will be selected now, and the next three will be selected in 2025.

Application requirements

• The applying ensemble/artist has previous experience with concert activities in at least one of the focus countries.
• The applying ensemble/artist has concrete visions for their work in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria during the period 2024-2026.
• The applying ensemble/artist has an integrated PR setup for their project and has at least one release under their belt.
• The applying ensemble/artist agrees to participate in the strategic program as part of the project. Additionally, after the project, there will be an evaluation, which the ensemble must also commit to.

Participants will be selected by an international panel consisting of 2-3 industry professionals (bookers, media, etc.) from the focus countries, as well as a representative from JazzDanmark’s secretariat.

The selection process will place emphasis on artistic quality and the group’s motivated application. There are no restrictions on band size.