About JAZZx FORWARD

JAZZx FORWARD is an international meeting and marketplace for emerging artists working across contemporary jazz, soul, R&B, rap, spoken word and alt-pop.

Developed within the JAZZx ecosystem, FORWARD brings together emerging artists from around the world with festival directors, bookers and music industry professionals from Central and Eastern Europe. The focus is on creating direct connections that can lead to new bookings, collaborations and opportunities for artists to develop their careers.

Following an international open call, 12 artists will be selected to perform live in Timișoara in front of an invited delegation of festival directors, bookers and music industry professionals from across the region.

FORWARD is built around the idea that a live performance can be the starting point for a new professional connection. By bringing artists and festival decision-makers together in the same place, the project creates opportunities for music to travel further, from Timișoara to festivals and stages across Central and Eastern Europe.

With Timișoara as its meeting point, JAZZx FORWARD aims to build a strong regional network for emerging talent and establish the city as an important point of connection for the discovery, development and circulation of new music in Central and Eastern Europe.

Apply here

Applications are open from 13 August 2026 until 13 September 2026, 23:59 (EEST | Bucharest time). There is no application fee.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

The project

Tell us who you are.
For example: contemporary jazz, soul, R&B, rap, spoken word, alt-pop.
Max 2000 characters. This may be used for promotional materials.

Your music

Please share permanent, downloadable links. We need to be able to download the material, so streaming-only links are not enough.
Video of your performance(Required)
Permanent downloadable link to a live performance video. Accepted platforms: Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Mega, pCloud and other file-sharing platforms. Up to 3 links. Please make sure the link stays active until 21 September 2026.
Audio recording(Required)
Permanent downloadable link to an audio recording. Accepted platforms: Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Mega, pCloud and other file-sharing platforms. Up to 3 links. Please make sure the link stays active until 21 September 2026.
Promo Kit(Required)
Permanent downloadable links to your promo materials. Please include vertical aspect photo and video content that will be used as promo materials. Accepted platforms: Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Mega, pCloud and other file-sharing platforms. Up to 5 links. Please make sure the link stays active until 21 September 2026.
YouTube links
Your YouTube channel, videos or a relevant playlist. Up to 3 links.
Social media links
Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Bandcamp, your website. Up to 6 links.

Technical rider

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 10 MB.
Please upload an updated version of your technical rider. PDF or Word, max 10 MB.

Contact

We will send your confirmation and the selection results to this address.
Please include the country code.

Booking fee

Please indicate your adjusted performance fee for bookings coming from CEE festival delegates during JAZZx FORWARD (+ 1 week afterwards). This fee should exclude transportation and accommodation costs. Please enter the amount in euro, digits only.

Consent

Promotion consent(Required)
Regulations and data processing(Required)

Regulations

Application Process

Applications are open from 13 August 2026 until 13 September 2026, 23:59 (EEST | Bucharest Time).

All applications will be reviewed by an international jury composed of music industry professionals. The selection will be based on artistic quality, originality, live performance potential and international development potential.

A total of 12 artists/projects will be selected to perform at JAZZx FORWARD 2026.

Selected Artists

Each selected artist will receive:

  • A live showcase performance at JAZZx FORWARD (22–24 October 2026).
  • A €2,000 gross performance fee.
  • The opportunity to perform in front of an invited delegation of festival directors and music industry professionals from Central and Eastern Europe, creating direct exposure and opportunities for future bookings.
  • Professional photo and video pack.

Travel, accommodation, visas and any related expenses are the sole responsibility of the selected artists.

Important Dates

Applications open: 13 August 2026

Applications close: 13 September 2026 (23:59 EEST)

Selected artists announced: 21 September 2026

JAZZx FORWARD: 22–24 October 2026

Technical Information

There is no application or participation fee.

JAZZx FORWARD will provide a standard festival backline.

Detailed technical specifications and stage requirements will be discussed directly with the selected artists before the event.

Before You Apply

Please make sure that:

  • You are available to travel and perform in Timișoara, Romania, between 22–24 October 2026.
  • You can present a minimum 40-minute live showcase.
  • Your project is available for promotion as part of the official JAZZx FORWARD communication campaign.

Code of Conduct

JAZZx FORWARD is committed to creating a respectful, inclusive and safe environment for artists, audiences, partners and staff.

Applications are welcome from artists of all backgrounds, identities, cultures, genders, ethnicities and beliefs.

The Organizer reserves the right to reject or withdraw the participation of any applicant whose public communication, artistic content or conduct promotes hate speech, discrimination, harassment, violence or any form of intolerance.

Data Protection (GDPR)

In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR), the Organizer processes applicants’ personal data exclusively for the administration of the open call, artist selection process and the organization and promotion of JAZZx FORWARD.

Personal data may include names, stage names, contact information, biographies, photographs, audio and video materials, as well as any information submitted through the application form.

Data will be processed on the basis of the applicant’s consent and the Organizer’s legitimate interest in managing the project. Information will be stored only for as long as necessary and may be shared with partners directly involved in organizing, promoting or documenting the event.

Applicants have the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict or object to the processing of their personal data, as well as the right to data portability, in accordance with applicable legislation.

By submitting an application, applicants confirm that they have read and accepted these Regulations and consent to the processing of their personal data as described above.