SISS Open Call: Emerging Talents in A-V Art

About the Open Call

We invite emerging artists under 35 to submit completed works in audiovisual and experimental music, focusing on innovative, interdisciplinary practices at the intersection of sound and image. This is a single call with four categories (A, B, C, D): three (A, B, C) are open to all nationalities, while the fourth (category D) is a special commissioning opportunity reserved for Italian AFAM students. Eligible Italian applicants may choose to apply either to one of the general categories or to the AFAM-specific category. The call will award one winning work per category. Subsequent Submissions from the same candidate will be automatically excluded and only the first application will be considered. Please remember that the call is anonymous, so we kindly ask you not to include any identifying information in the submitted work or file metadata, to ensure a fair evaluation for all participants. Category A / Experimental Visionaries: Live performance including original video and live electronics (Max duration: 15 minutes). Category B / Screened Sound: Fixed media / Audiovisual Composition for fixed, single-screen presentation (not live) (Max duration: 15 minutes). Category C / Young Pioneers: Compositions of mixed media music & electronics/multimedia, combining acoustic instruments, electronics, and video (Max duration: 15 minutes). Category D / AFAM Commission: Audiovisual works or sound design projects for silent videos. The winner will be commissioned to create an original music composition for a silent short film provided and restored by the Cineteca di Bologna, with guidance and mentorship from faculty (Max duration: 15 minutes).

What is Offered

One winner per category. Prize of € 2,500 gross (includes travel and accommodation for events in Lecce and Trento). Winning works will be featured in official public performances held by March 20, 2026 in Lecce or Trento, Italy. Category D winner will be commissioned to create an original music composition for a silent short film provided by the Cineteca di Bologna, with guidance and mentorship from faculty members.

Requirements

Individual artists under 35 years of age (at the time of the submission deadline) or collectives (average age of members must not exceed 35). Categories A, B and C are open to all nationalities. Category D is open to students or recent AFAM graduates (enrolled or residing in Italy), with proof of AFAM enrollment or graduation. Each candidate/collective can submit only one work in one category. Max duration for artworks is 15 minutes. Submissions must not exceed 4GB in total. Files over 4GB will not be accepted. The call is anonymous, do not include identifying information in submitted work or file metadata.

How to Apply

Submit via Zealous Platform (https://zealous.co/conservatoriesoflecceandtrento/opportunity/siss-open-call-emerging-talents-in-a-v-art/) including: Personal Information (name, contact details), Short biography (up to 300 words), Title of the submitted work, Project description (max 800 words). Specific materials are required per category: A (Performance video, optional audio), B (Video file, audio), C (Audio recording, optional video, score), D (Two audiovisual works, proof of AFAM enrollment/degree). Each submission must not exceed 4GB. Accepted formats: .mp4 for videos, .mp3 for audio and .pdf for documents.