QUESTION ME & ANSWER (QMA) is a Vienna-based initiative dedicated to making the city’s arts and culture sector more accessible and diverse. Apply now for their Music Residency | QMA On Stage 2026. Deadline to apply is July 13! Find out more below.
QMA On Stage is an initiative that promotes musicians of all genres. To counteract structural barriers in the music industry, the program supports migrant and BIPoC artists and bands and connects them with Vienna’s music scene.
Three selected artists will be invited to a five-day residency at Fiakka Studios from September 15–19, 2026. Each participant will have access to a private studio space and professional equipment to work on new music.
The residency also includes:
- Songwriting sessions with established artists from Vienna’s music scene
- Mentorship from music industry professionals
- Networking opportunities
- Prizes such as professional photoshoots, microphones, and more
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should indicate which of the following three categories they belong to.
Spot 1
For musicians who:
- Moved to Vienna less than six years ago
- Come from the Global South or the CESEE region
- May be at any stage of their music career
Spot 2
For musicians who:
- Started making music within the last three years
- Identify as Black, PoC, migrant, or have refugee experience with roots in the Global South or CESEE region
- Live in Vienna, regardless of how long they have lived there
Spot 3
For musicians who:
- Already have an established music career in Vienna
- Identify as Black, PoC, migrant, or have refugee experience with roots in the Global South or CESEE region
- Live in Vienna, regardless of how long they have lived there
Why Does This Program Exist?
Music creators who identify as Black, PoC, migrant, or have refugee experience remain underrepresented in Vienna’s music industry.
QMA On Stage aims to:
- Promote diversity and equal opportunities in Vienna’s music scene
- Increase visibility for underrepresented artists
- Foster exchange between established industry professionals and musicians with migration or refugee experience
Application Process
Deadline
Applications must be submitted by:
Monday, July 13, 2026, at 14:59 CET
Applications are accepted through the online form and may be submitted in:
- English
- German
- Other languages (automatic translation may be used for jury review)
Selection
An external jury of music industry professionals will select the three participants.
Glossary
Global South
The Global South broadly refers to countries, regions, and territories that are part of the global majority and have historically experienced colonialism or economic marginalization, often in contrast to the Global North.
CESEE Region
The Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) region includes:
Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Türkiye, and Ukraine.
People originating from the Global South or CESEE who have lived elsewhere in recent years are also welcome to apply. The program prioritizes self-identification rather than formal citizenship status. Stateless persons and individuals without citizenship in the country they consider home are encouraged to apply.
Who Is Considered a Musician?
The term includes:
- Vocalists
- Songwriters
- Solo artists
Applications may be submitted as:
- Solo artists
- Bands
- Collectives
provided that members generally meet the eligibility criteria.
Questions?
If you are unsure whether you qualify or have other questions, contact the team via:
- Email: contact@questionmeandanswer.com
- Instagram DM
More information is available at:
About QUESTION ME & ANSWER (QMA)
Founded in 2019, QUESTION ME & ANSWER (QMA) is a Vienna-based initiative dedicated to making the city’s arts and culture sector more accessible and diverse.
QMA’s work includes:
- Artist support and advisory services
- Events and networking opportunities
- Programs for artists across disciplines
- Connecting emerging creatives with established members of Vienna’s cultural scene