The Asia Project was launched last year in collaboration with the Augustinus Foundation, and JazzDanmark can now reveal the project’s new participants. In its first year, the project has included tours, recordings, and extensive networking for three participants, and we are now ready to introduce a new group. The three new participants have been selected by a panel of industry professionals with ties to China, South Korea, and Japan.

Close collaboration with focus countries

The Asia Project aims to support artists who have already explored the East Asian market and can build on their previous experiences. Both the artists’ and JazzDanmark’s past collaborations with key industry figures in the focus countries allow for a targeted approach and a tailored strategy for each participant. The selection panel also plays a crucial role in expanding the network in Asia, as it changes annually and consists of six key figures from the Asian music industry.

Nordic guitar sounds, neo-Swing, and atmospheric vocal improvisations

In consultation with the panel, the three new participants were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. Each of the chosen artists represents a unique perspective on the current Danish jazz scene.

Extension of grants

Due to the major challenge of 2020, COVID-19, it has been decided that both the three current participants and the three newly selected participants will have their grants extended by one year.

The current participants for 2019-2020—Sinne Eeg, H E X, and Kenneth Dahl Knudsen—will have their grants extended through 2021. All three have already traveled to East Asia in 2019 and are planning new activities in late 2020 or early 2021. The new participants will be part of the project from 2020 to 2022. The third and final round of the Asia Project, in which three additional artists will be selected, will take place from 2021 to 2023. The open call for the third round will proceed as planned in the fall.

About the Asia Project

JazzDanmark has long focused on the East Asian jazz market, including a decade-long China project, where consultant Martin Røen—through Danish Music in China—has helped establish a solid foothold for Danish music. Additionally, in recent years, JazzDanmark has made significant strides in both Japan and South Korea and is experiencing increasing interest in the Asian market through JazzDanmark Puljen.

With a three-year grant from Augustinus Fonden, JazzDanmark launched the Asia Project last year. The goal is to build a stronger foundation in the East Asian market for musicians with prior experience in the region. The project primarily focuses on China, South Korea, and Japan.