Open Call North Sea Round Town 2025

Apply on or before April 15

We are looking for creators who dare to be different. Organizers with a vision. Acts that surprise, challenge, and move the city. Do you have a music-related concept that is next level and impactful? Then you have the chance to collaborate with North Sea Round Town, where we will give your project the visibility it deserves. Whether you’re organizing a concert, dance battle, exhibition, workshop, jam session, or music film screening—if it resonates musically and adds something new to the city, we want to hear about it! Read on to find out how to pitch your idea and become part of North Sea Round Town this summer.

North Sea Round Town – A Summer Full of Music
North Sea Round Town is the fringe festival of NN North Sea Jazz. For three weeks, we shake up Rotterdam with live music in unexpected places—gardens, churches, streets, and clubs. We introduce new sounds, talent, and groundbreaking collaborations across different scenes, from jazz and hip-hop to electronic and experimental. The festival also supports acts through the Open Call, offering the opportunity to become part of our festival program. With the Open Call, we invite innovators to help shape a program that inspires and connects. Are you in? This is your chance to be part of a festival that pushes musical boundaries.

Tell me more!
Through the Open Call, you can submit a concept for a concert or event taking place between June 26 and July 13, 2025. NSRT will select the most innovative concepts from the applications. If selected, your event will be included in our festival marketing: it will be featured in the festival agenda and integrated into the festival’s communication. NSRT may also provide financial support* for artist fees, covering up to 50% of the SENA standard (€330 per musician per performance). If your event requires this support, you can indicate it in the application form.

*Please note: Financial support is limited, and we cannot guarantee funding for all applications.

Want to participate? Apply on or before April 15! Read more and submit your application via the link below. We look forward to seeing your creative and inspiring ideas!

Who can apply for North Sea Round Town 2025?

We invite organizations and creators—from artists, makers, venues, and cultural hubs to new music initiatives and record stores—to apply for the upcoming edition of our fringe festival. This is an opportunity for artists and locations to connect and collaborate.

Important: You can only apply if you have already secured a venue for your performance. NSRT does not facilitate matchmaking between artists and venues, so make sure to arrange a suitable location before submitting your proposal.

Application Criteria

• Venue Hosts with an Act:
  Do you run a venue in the city and want to submit a band or act? You can apply as a venue host through the Open Call.
• Artists:
  Artists can apply if they have confirmed a venue for their performance. Additionally, we expect you to have released at least one EP or single between 2024 and 2025, or to have a release planned before July 2025. You may also submit new work for a premiere at NSRT.
• Creators and Project Coordinators:
  Creators can apply as project coordinators, provided they collaborate with a venue. This means your proposal must include a complete artistic program, a confirmed location, a production plan, and a marketing strategy.
• New Initiatives:
  We encourage new initiatives to apply, as long as you have already secured a venue for your project. This could be an innovative project or a fresh approach that contributes to Rotterdam’s musical landscape.

Compensation and Fair Pay for Musicians

Participation in North Sea Round Town means your program will be included in our city-wide promotional campaign. Even if you do not receive financial support from us, musicians must be paid according to the SENA standard—a requirement from the government and funding bodies.
For 2025, the standard is €330 per musician per performance (excluding VAT) for professional musicians. For students, the standard is 50% of the SENA rate. For other activities—such as context programs, jam sessions, open mic events, or presentations related to workshops, masterclasses, or educational projects—a suitable fee will be determined on a case-by-case basis. This also applies to semi-professional musicians and amateurs.

Important: We can contribute up to 50% of the musician’s fee, based on the Fair Pay standard (€330 excluding VAT, meaning NSRT can contribute up to €165 per musician per performance). This support is only available if your application is complete. NSRT is a festival, not a funding organization, so ensure that your financial planning is in order and only request support if you cannot otherwise pay musicians according to the SENA standard.

Key Selection Criteria for Your Proposal

1. Vision and Execution. We expect a clear vision for your project, including a well-developed program, a confirmed venue, a production plan, and a marketing strategy.
2. Diversity and Inclusion. Your project should contribute to the musical and cultural dynamism of Rotterdam. We highly value a diverse and inclusive program, incorporating different generations, cultural backgrounds, and genders.
3. Innovation. We encourage new artistic works and original repertoires. We seek innovative events that resonate with today’s world and surprise audiences.
4. Accessibility. NSRT’s program must be accessible to all. We strive for free or low-cost entry to ensure your event reaches as many people as possible.
5. New Initiatives and Innovation. We support new initiatives, creators, projects, and emerging talent. Priority is given to innovative projects that contribute to Rotterdam’s evolving music scene.
6. Development of Young Talent. We prioritize acts that support and nurture young, up-and-coming artists. Supporting new talent is a core mission of the festival.
7. Collaboration Between Emerging and Established Artists. We encourage cross-pollination between local and international artists, as well as between emerging and established acts. These connections create new opportunities and inspiration for all involved.
8. Exclusivity and Unique Experiences. We prefer acts that offer something unique and are not easily found elsewhere. Our goal is to present one-of-a-kind musical experiences to our audience.
   – We welcome partner proposals, including year-round programs, to be part of the festival.
   – To ensure artistic diversity, approved projects (unless otherwise agreed with NSRT) cannot present the same or a similar program in Rotterdam for three months before and one month after the festival.
   – Artists booked for multiple performances must inform NSRT before confirming to avoid repetition. Non-compliance may result in removal from the program.
9. Sustainability and Feasibility. Projects must balance ambition with practicality. Proposals should be financially realistic and accessible to a broad audience.
10. Smaller Line-ups and Flexibility. We prioritize smaller ensembles that align with the available budget and expected audience size. This helps keep events manageable and feasible.

Exclusions
Under the Nationaal Podium Plan (NPP) regulations, double funding is not permitted. If you receive financial support from NPP, you cannot also receive financial support from North Sea Round Town, as both are co-funded by SENA.

Pitch your idea and become part of North Sea Round Town 2025. Start your application now using this link! Apply on or before April 15.

We can’t wait to see your ideas and look forward to an inspiring summer!

Foto: Maarten Laupman, NSRT 2024