The Podcast Academy 2026 Open Call

About the Open Call

The Aerowaves Podcast Academy is designed to equip participants with valuable podcasting skills for dance and performance promotion. Led by experienced broadcast journalist Dany Mitzman, the program will mentor 5 Europe-based participants proficient in spoken English. No prior podcasting experience is required, but curiosity and a willingness to engage in conversations are essential. Participants should be interested in dance, emerging artists, and exploring artistic themes through diverse cultural, political, and social perspectives. The academy covers the entire podcast making process, from pre-production, recording, and editing to production, presentation, and post-production/publication. Online meetings will take place from February to April 2026, where participants will share ambitions, learn about recording equipment, interview techniques, soundscape creation, and narrative structuring. A session led by BBC sound engineer Rohan Madison will provide technical advice. During the Spring Forward festival (May 6-9, 2026) in Guimarães, participants will gain practical experience by setting up and recording interviews, receiving feedback on turning recorded material into finished podcasts. After the festival, participants have the option to publish episodes as part of Spring Forecast under Dany’s editorial guidance, with a follow-up troubleshooting/feedback session in late June or early July.

What is Offered

Successful applicants will receive travel costs, accommodation, hospitality, and a pass to the Spring Forward festival. Participants will also have the option of publishing one or more episodes as part of Spring Forecast under editorial guidance.

Requirements

Applicants must be based in Europe, proficient in spoken English (not necessarily as a first language), and interested in dance and the work of emerging artists. They should enjoy exploring artistic themes and voices through different cultural, political, and social perspectives. No prior experience in podcast making is required, but a curious nature and enjoyment of one-on-one conversations are essential.

How to Apply

To apply, please send one biographical paragraph about yourself, along with an mp3 file (maximum 1 minute) explaining why you wish to participate in the Podcast Academy. Creativity with your audio file is encouraged. Fill in and submit the online form by 24:00 (CET) on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by email by mid-December 2025.