The purpose of Freundschaft is to strengthen the presence and career opportunities of the selected participants in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The project is aimed at musicians who have previously performed or toured in one or more of the three countries and who now wish to enhance their presence through a more strategic effort, planned in collaboration with JazzDanmark. Freundschaft is open to both established and emerging bands/artists, so that anyone interested in a two-year career development program can participate. The program is designed in accordance with the musicians’ own visions and plans.

Freundschaft builds on the experiences from several years of efforts in Germany, where JazzDanmark has been active since 2013 through various projects. It is particularly through projects like Danish Vibes, Neustart, and participation in jazzahead! that JazzDanmark has developed knowledge and contacts in the German music industry, as well as parts of the Swiss and Austrian scenes.

Conditions

• Three selected bands/artists will receive a customized strategic program focusing on the GSA countries (Germany, Switzerland, and Austria), facilitated by the participants themselves in close collaboration with JazzDanmark’s project manager, Lars Thor Jensen.
• The program will culminate in a strategic plan for 2024-2026, with each band/artist receiving 60,000 DKK to implement it. The funds are earmarked for activities in the GSA countries and must result in at least four concerts in one or more of these three target countries.
• In addition to the strategic program and the specific activities, the band/artist will participate in workshops and joint meetings across the selected participants, facilitated by JazzDanmark.
• The funds can be used to cover expenses ranging from marketing, hotel costs, transport, and fees, all organized based on the strategic plan developed in collaboration with JazzDanmark.
• A total of six bands/artists will be selected for the project. The first three are being selected at the end of 2024, and the next three will be chosen in 2025.

Selected Participants for 2025 and 2026

• Marcela Lucatelli
• Makiko Hirabayashi
• Svaneborg Kardyb