The Waves Vienna UK Residency 2026 is aimed at Austrian musicians and bands who are ready to take the next step in their international career development. It offers a unique opportunity to perform at three renowned UK showcase festivals and to build valuable connections within the British music scene. Deadline to apply is: December 1, 2025 (midnight). The act selected by the jury will be notified on December 15, 2025.
Important Dates
Application Period: November 12 – December 1, 2025 (midnight)
Residency Duration: April 20 – May 20, 2026
Program & Benefits
The selected act will have the opportunity to perform live at all three partner festivals in 2026 and to use the residency period for networking, writing sessions, meetings, and local collaborations.
The following benefits are provided:
- Coverage of transport costs (including instruments)
- Accommodation for the entire duration of the residency
- Festival accreditations for all three events
- Expense allowance of €650 net per person (max. 4 people) for discretionary use (meals, transfers, additional costs)
The Waves Vienna team will accompany the residency at selected points, particularly during the festival dates.
Residency Festival Dates
- Wide Days (Edinburgh) – April 30 to May 1, 2026
- Focus Wales (Wrexham) – May 7 to 9, 2026
- The Great Escape (Brighton) – May 13 to 16, 2026
The residency covers the entire period from April 20 to May 20, 2026, including performances and participation in various networking events at all three festivals, as well as meetings and networking opportunities between festivals.
Application & Selection
The call opens on November 12, 2025. Applications must be submitted by December 1, 2025 (midnight).
Please submit the following:
- Short biography (max. 1 page)
- Letter of motivation / statement of intent (max. 1 page)
- Links to current music (Spotify, YouTube, Bandcamp, SoundCloud, etc.)
- Live video or performance recording
- Press photo & social media links
Applications
A jury consisting of representatives from The Great Escape, Wide Days, Focus Wales, Austrian Music Export, Waves Vienna, and the artists of the Waves Vienna Opening 2025 will select one act for the UK Residency 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum age: 18 years
- Main residence or professional focus in Austria
- Established position within the Austrian music landscape
- Internationalisation as the next logical career step
- Open to all genres
- Label or publishing affiliation not required
- Professional-level English skills
The jury will evaluate based on artistic quality, export potential, and career stage (not yet internationally established, but beyond newcomer level).
Further Information
There are no obligations beyond providing a short documentation of the residency experience.
Additional funding (e.g. from BMWKMS, Austrian Music Fund, or Austrian Music Export) may be possible.
The project is carried out by the association WIEN MACHT KULTUR.