Following an intense and inspiring kick-off in Slovenia at MENT Ljubljana, and an educational and fun trip to Bratislava for SHARPE Festival, the final edition of “Building Bridges: Explore CEE” heads to Šibenik for SHIP Festival (10 – 13 September 2026). Building Bridges: Explore CEE is aimed at professionals in the Austrian music industry who are looking to expand their international networks, explore new markets and build sustainable collaborations within the CEE region. To join the delegation, apply by midnight, June 7th!
About SHIP Festival
Taking place in the coastal city of Šibenik, Croatia, SHIP is one of Southeast Europe’s most exciting emerging showcase festivals and music conferences. Bringing together artists and music professionals from across Europe, the festival combines a forward-thinking conference programme with live performances across venues scattered throughout the historic city. With a strong focus on discovery, exchange and international collaboration, SHIP has quickly become an important meeting point for the European music community.
What’s Included
The delegation trip includes a joint lunch/dinner on Thursday (day 1 of the festival), and participation in the Austrian Heartbeats speed meeting on Friday or Saturday at the SHIP festival conference together with a delegation from Italy. The programme is complemented by access to the SHIP conference and festival, which runs until Saturday, recommended day of departure is Sunday.
In preparation, participants will be invited to a digital briefing with the SHIP team, expected to take place in the first week of September, providing insights into the Croatian music landscape and helping you make the most of your time in Šibenik.
For selected participants, the festival and conference access and a reimbursement of up to EUR 300 for travel and accommodation costs will be granted, subject to submission of receipts.
Building Bridges: Explore CEE
Building Bridges: Explore CEE is aimed at professionals in the Austrian music industry who are looking to expand their international networks, explore new markets and build sustainable collaborations within the CEE region. The programme is primarily aimed at music industry professionals from all music genres, in particular, the people „behind“ the artists who are involved in the business side of things, i.e. labels, publishers, management companies and agencies. The trip is considered particularly useful for entrepreneurs who already have at least some experience in working internationally.
Due to the limited number of participants, only one person per company can be funded. Please send your documents, (CV + a motivational paragraph) to office@musicexport.at by June 7, 00:00 at the latest.
The number of participants is limited. Participants will be selected by Austrian Music Export; applicants will receive formal acceptance or rejection for funding or participation by latest end of June.
Austrian Artists at SHIP 2026
So far, two Austrian acts have been announced to perform at the festival this year: Schmack and Harry Dean Lewis. Stay tuned for updates and more artist announcements!