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A call for applications is being issued for the artistic leadership of the 35th Music Biennale Zagreb (Spring 2029) and the 36th Music Biennale Zagreb (Spring 2031).
The call seeks to select an Artistic Director for the Music Biennale Zagreb, who will be responsible for the festival’s overall artistic concept, programmatic integrity, and artistic direction. Full members and associate members of the Croatian Composers’ Society (HDS) are eligible to apply.
Candidates are required to propose members of the MBZ Artistic Committee (up to four individuals) alongside their application; these members will serve as programmatic collaborators to the Artistic Director, participating in or independently devising and developing specific segments of the program—particularly in areas where they possess specialized expertise and experience. For each proposed member, the application must include their field of activity, professional qualifications, and anticipated contribution to the festival program, as well as a statement confirming their consent to be included in the application.
Individuals who are not full members of the HDS may serve on the Artistic Committee.
The proposed composition of the Artistic Committee forms an integral part of the candidacy, though its final appointment is subject to the approval of the Croatian Composers’ Society. Following the selection of the Artistic Director, the HDS reserves the right to propose changes or additions to the Artistic Committee’s composition, taking into account the artistic concept of the selected candidacy, the members’ professional qualifications, and the festival’s programmatic, organisational, and financial needs. The Artistic Director and the Artistic Committee work in cooperation with HDS as the festival organiser. HDS retains autonomy in matters of the financial framework, contractual relations, production and organisational possibilities, institutional partnerships and the final confirmation of the program in the part that produces financial, legal or organisational obligations for HDS.
Along with their application, candidates must submit:
–a conceptual framework and outline for the programs of two festival editions (2029 and 2031), as well as the objectives intended to be achieved through the proposed program;
–a detailed program proposal for the 2029 MBZ, including:
proposed duration and dates of the festival;
a preliminary list of concerts, performances, and other projects, indicating performers, program details, and preferred festival venues;
proposed program partners;
a description of accompanying events, materials, and other supplementary programming;
–a statement of motivation for undertaking this role at the Music Biennale Zagreb (MBZ), including brief reflections on the MBZ’s current standing in Zagreb, the region, and internationally, as well as a perspective on the role of artistic leadership for a festival of this nature.
Candidates may obtain information regarding the financial parameters of past festivals from the HDS secretariat to assist in developing their festival concept.
Based on the decision of the Assembly of Representatives, a special contract will be concluded with the selected candidate or team, defining mutual rights and obligations for the duration of their tenure in the artistic leadership role of the MBZ.
Written applications must be submitted in person or by mail to the HDS secretariat no later than November 13, 2026.
