The Ernst von Siemens Music Foundation supports exceptionally high-quality New Music projects by institutions and organisations worldwide.
The Foundation supports a broad range of projects, from festivals and concerts to composition commissions, sound art, symposia, academies and educational initiatives. It also supports projects that introduce New Music to children and young people and promote greater appreciation of contemporary music.
Projects are assessed primarily on their artistic quality, with projects of different sizes considered on an equal basis.
Funding
As a general guideline, the requested grant should not exceed one-third of the total project costs. Grants above €50,000 are awarded only in exceptional cases.
Funding may contribute towards costs such as:
Artist, composer and personnel fees
Travel and transportation
Event and production expenses
Marketing and public relations
Outreach and educational activities
Other necessary material costs
A complete cost and financing plan covering the entire project is required, even where funding is requested for only one component. The plan must show all project expenses and income, including other grants, institutional contributions and the applicant's own contribution.
Scope and approach
Projects should demonstrate meaningful artistic and organisational partnerships. The Foundation requires letters of intent from key ensembles, composers, musicians and co-production partners involved in the project, as well as venue confirmations where applicable.
Each institution may submit only one application per application deadline and can receive support for a maximum of one project per calendar year.
The Foundation may support a maximum of three projects over three consecutive years or funding periods, for example in the case of biennials.
The Foundation does not support:
Marketable music productions, recordings or CDs
Internal university projects
Dissertation projects
Applications must be submitted online in German or English through the Foundation's application system.
Categories
The Foundation exclusively supports projects related to New Music.
Eligible projects include:
Festivals
Concerts featuring premieres and repeat performances
Sound art and installations
Composition commissions
Symposia
Musicological publications
Academies for young musicians and composers
Educational programmes
Projects introducing New Music to children and young people
The Foundation supports projects of different scales and places particular emphasis on exceptional artistic quality.
Eligibility
Applications can only be submitted by the organising institution responsible for the project.
Individuals cannot apply directly, and self-applications are not accepted.
Eligible applicants may include institutions and organisations organising New Music projects worldwide.
Application information
Deadline: 1 October 2026
For more information about the application process, click here.
To access the application portal, register here.
Your funding experts
InterArts Funding offers its expertise to assist you in applying for grant opportunities (including this one), leveraging our extensive experience to enhance your chances of securing the grant. It is important to clarify that InterArts Funding is an independent entity and is not affiliated with any specific funding organisation. While we have a commendable track record of success, we cannot guarantee the approval of your application. Grant outcomes depend on various factors beyond our control.