Austrian Music Export is pleased to open applications for participation in the professional mission to MENT Ljubljana 2026, including a curated Speed-Networking Session in cooperation with MENT. The festival and conference will take place from 18 to 21 February 2026 in Ljubljana. Professionals from Austria working in the recorded and publishing sectors, artist management or other relevant areas of the music industry are invited to apply until the 8th of December, 2025.
MENT Ljubljana is one of the leading showcase festivals and music conferences in Central and Eastern Europe, bringing together a wide range of regional and international professionals. Alongside the extensive festival and conference programme, MENT offers focused opportunities for exchange, new contacts and insights into neighbouring music markets.
MENT as Part of Explore CEE
Starting in 2026, the cooperation with MENT Ljubljana will become part of a new year-round programme by Austrian Music Export. Explore CEE is a newly developed capacity-building initiative combining professional development with performance opportunities for Austrian artists and supporting a deeper engagement with the CEE region. The programme includes planned cooperations with SHARPE Festival in Slovakia, SHIP Festival in Croatia, Music Week Poland, Budapest Showcase Hub in Hungary and the Changeover Festival in Serbia. When applying, you are invited to indicate which of these festivals are most relevant to your work and that you would like to explore professionally in 2026. The conditions for participation in Explore CEE and the specific modules of each festival will be announced in a separate Open Call next year.
MENT Mission 2026: What Is Included
For participation in the MENT 2026 mission, Austrian Music Export covers a Pro Pass granting access to the festival and conference as well as accommodation for three nights in Ljubljana.
Who Can Apply
This Open Call is aimed at professionals working in the Austrian music sector, including labels, publishers, artist managers, booking agents, promoters, festivals and other relevant music businesses. The mission is particularly suited to applicants who have already taken initial steps towards internationalisation and wish to expand their networks within the CEE region. Due to limited capacity, support is generally provided for one person per company.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted by email to office@musicexport.at in the form of a short motivation letter (maximum one page) in English or German.
Your motivation letter should include a brief introduction of yourself, your current international focus, your reasons for wishing to take part in the mission, your interest in the Explore CEE programme and an indication of which CEE partner festivals are most relevant to your work and that you would like to explore professionally in 2026. Applications must be submitted by 8 December 2025. All applicants will receive notice by 12 January 2026.
About the Networking Session @MENT
The speed-networking format offers a compact and focused opportunity to meet a curated selection of international delegates. In one-to-one meetings, Austrian professionals can present their artists, catalogues, projects or ideas and establish valuable new contacts. The session will be scheduled in coordination with MENT as part of the festival’s official conference programme.
Carinthian Delegation at MENT
In first-time cooperation with Carinthia Film & Sound, a delegation of Carinthian music industry professionals will also be present at MENT 2026.
Contact
Paulina Parvanov, Austrian Music Export: office@musicexport.at
