News • 26.11.2024
Open Call: Strengthen your career in Germany, Switzerland and Austria
Freundschaft aims to enhance Danish jazz in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria through two-year career development programs. The application deadline is December 19.
Freundschaft aims to bolster Danish jazz in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria through two-year career development programs. Applications are now open to find three new bands for the 2025-2027 period, with a deadline of December 19.
A Targeted Strategic Initiative
Freundschaft offers you the opportunity to focus on building your career and increasing visibility in the three target countries. The program is designed to enhance Danish jazz musicians’ careers and networks in German-speaking regions through a tailored strategic process. It is aimed at musicians who already have experience performing in Germany, Switzerland, or Austria and now seek a more focused and long-term effort to expand their audience base and create new collaborations.
With JazzDanmark as a partner, participating musicians—both established and emerging—will engage in a customized two-year program developed in close dialogue to align with their individual visions and long-term career plans. Freundschaft thus provides a unique framework where musicians can pursue their goals in a process adapted to their specific needs and ambitions.
Apply for Participation
You can apply to participate in Freundschaft via the link HERE. The deadline for applications is December 19 at 11:59 PM.
Project Details
- Customized Strategic Program: Three selected ensembles or artists will undergo a tailored strategic process focused on the GSA countries: Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The program is facilitated by the participants in close collaboration with JazzDanmark’s project manager, Lars Thor Jensen.
- Strategic Plan for 2024-2026: Each selected ensemble/artist will receive a budget of DKK 60,000 to implement their strategic plan.
- Activity Scope: The funds are earmarked for activities in the GSA countries and must result in at least four concerts in one or more of the three target countries.
- Workshops and Networking: Beyond the strategic process and planned activities, participating bands/artists will attend workshops and networking sessions facilitated by JazzDanmark, fostering collaboration across the selected participants.
- Flexible Use of Funds: The budget can be used for various expenses such as marketing, accommodation, transportation, fees, and more, aligned with the strategic plan developed with JazzDanmark.
Application Requirements
- The applying ensemble/artist must have prior experience performing in at least one of the target countries.
- The ensemble/artist must have clear visions for their work in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria over the next two years (2025-2027).
- The ensemble/artist must have an established PR setup for their project and at least one prior release.
- The ensemble/artist must commit to participating in the program and its strategic process, as well as in a post-project evaluation.
Selection Process
Participants will be selected by an international panel consisting of 2-3 industry professionals (bookers, media representatives, etc.) from the target countries and a representative from JazzDanmark’s secretariat.
Selection will be based on artistic quality and a well-motivated application. There are no restrictions on band size.

A New Chapter in JazzDanmark’s Germany Initiative
Since 2013, JazzDanmark has focused on strengthening the presence of Danish jazz musicians in Germany. This effort began with the Danish Vibes initiative and was later followed by the Neustart project.
Building on the experiences from these earlier initiatives, JazzDanmark is now launching an expanded version of its efforts: Freundschaft. This project will span the next three years and include not only Germany but also its neighboring countries, Switzerland and Austria.
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