SISS Open Call: Emerging Talents in A/V art

SISS Open Call: Emerging Talents in A/V art is now open for entries!

SISS Open Call: Emerging Talents in A/V art : The SISS Open Call invites emerging artists and collectives under 35 to submit completed works exploring the relationship between sound and image.

➜ Short description

The SISS Open Call invites emerging artists and collectives under 35 to submit completed works exploring the relationship between sound and image.

This international call features four categories:

➜ Experimental Visionaries (Live performance including original video and live electronics)

This category is dedicated to live audiovisual performances that combine original video and live electronics. The video component can take any form (single screen) as long as the artist owns the rights to use and publicly present the material. The sound must be performed live, using live electronics and can be presented in stereo or multichannel formats (up to 8.1).
Additional media – such as lights, sensors, objects, or other performative elements – may also be incorporated, provided they are integral to the live experience.

➜ Screened Sound (Fixed media / Audiovisual Composition)

This category is dedicated to fixed media and audiovisual compositions created for fixed, single-screen presentation (not live). Works should feature original video paired with fixed audio. The video can be an experimental audiovisual composition, using any technique – generative visuals, found footage, digital and analog video, tape manipulation or other – as long as the artist holds the rights for public presentation. Video resolution up to 4K is accepted. The audio must be a composition using electronics and/or concrete sounds and can be presented in stereo or multichannel formats up to 8.1

➜ Young Pioneers (Compositions of mixed media music & electronics/multimedia)

This category is dedicated to compositions of mixed media music that combine acoustic instruments, electronics (either fixed or live electronics) and video. The video (single screen) can be of any genre as long as the artist holds the rights for public presentation. Video resolution up to 4K is accepted. Multichannel spatialization is allowed up to 8.1.
The following instruments are available for use, either individually or in any combination up to the full ensemble: flute (including piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute), clarinet (in B♭ and bass clarinet), piano, percussion (all standard instruments), violin, and cello.

➜ AFAM students (Audiovisual works or sound design projects for silent videos) This category is a special commission for AFAM Students in collaboration with the Cineteca di Bologna. Two original audiovisual works or sound design projects for silent videos or visual material by other authors are required. The submitted projects should clearly demonstrate an experimental and research-oriented approach.
The winner of this category 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 members of the Lecce and Trento Conservatories.

Max duration (for all categories) is 15 minutes. The artworks may have already been performed.

The jury panel, consisting of distinguished artists and professionals will choose the winners.

Winning works will be featured in official public performances that will be presented during an event dedicated to the initiative by March 20, 2026 in Lecce or Trento, Italy.

➜ Who may enter?

Artists or collectives under 35 years old (at the submission deadline), of any nationality for categories A, B and C. For collectives, the average age of members must not exceed 35. For the category D AFAM Commission, applicants must be Italian students (or students residing in Italy) or recent graduates with proof of enrollment or degree from an AFAM institution.

➜ Prize:

One winner per category will be awarded €2,500, with public presentations in Lecce or Trento, Italy by 20 March 2026. Selected AFAM applicants will receive a commission for an original work (silent film provided by the Cineteca di Bologna) valued at €2,500 gross. Tutorship will be provided by faculty members from the Conservatories of Lecce and Trento as a support for the production of the new work. A short residency at one of the partner locations (Lecce or Trento) is included. Selected works will be presented at public events organized by the conservatories.