Programme

City Talks will offer three facilitated discussions on what creates a vibrant music city and how cities, clubs, festivals and cultural institutions can work together more effectively.

The aim is to connect experiences from different cities and look for concrete ways to improve cooperation with the music scene.

City Talks will not be a traditional conference or a series of panel discussions. Each block will take the form of an open conversation, in which everyone present is encouraged to take part, including experts from Czechia and abroad.

City Talks will follow the Chatham House Rule, creating a safe space to openly share not only examples of good practice, but also challenges, dead ends and topics that rarely make it into public debate.

City Talks is organised by NIK (the National Institute for Culture) in collaboration with TIC Brno (Brno Tourist and Information Centre) and RECONNECT.

More information HERE.

Are you running or still just planning an exciting music project? Pitch your idea or your work-in-progress and get the chance to put it in front of industry professionals, boosting its odds of a successful launch or continuation. Come find out how to grab sponsors' attention and get them excited about your project.

Conditions: This program is primarily aimed at students of music management or cultural management. However, emerging artists and managers with interesting projects of their own are also welcome to apply. A maximum of 6 projects will be selected. Presentations will run for up to 5 minutes, followed by a discussion with industry professionals. The presentation format will be pitch-style.

Technical requirements: We favor creative formats that can ideally be presented without an internet connection. A data projector and sound system will be available. Presentations will likely be given in English, given the conference's international scope.

Deadlines: Submit your project by September 25, 2026. You'll be notified of your selection within 48 hours.

Application form

Projects will be evaluated by university faculty, MMF CR members, and RECONNECT conference delegates.

We're organizing this panel in cooperation with the JAMU Faculty of Music.

Annual General Meeting of the Czech Association of Music Clubs (members only).

ČAHK was founded out of the need to jointly defend the interests of a space that is vital for contemporary music, cultural diversity and the emergence of new artistic talents — yet has long been overlooked.

Music clubs are an important part of the cultural infrastructure. It is in these venues that new artists get their start, new communities form, local scenes flourish, and cultural life unfolds – with an impact that extends far beyond the clubs themselves.

Nezávislé kluby přispívají k podobě měst, podporují kreativní ekonomiku a vytvářejí bezpečný prostor pro setkávání, experiment i občanskou a kulturní participaci. Naším cílem je zviditelnit jejich význam, posilovat jejich postavení a vytvářet podmínky pro jejich dlouhodobou stabilitu.

Many independent musicians struggle with not being able to pursue music full-time. That's largely because making interesting music simply isn't enough. At least for the first few years, you need to invest not only time but also handle your own PR, label work, and booking, learn to navigate the music scene, and deal with legal matters. Performance fees and income from music sales or streaming often don't even cover the costs of creating, recording, and promoting the music.

What does it actually take to pursue music full-time? How is professionalism and success defined in the music scene, and who defines it? What are "industry standards," and what do you need to reckon with if you want to release a record that gets noticed? What role do stereotypes and social expectations play? And is it possible to find your place in the music scene and a sustainable pace that lets you keep the joy of making music and avoid burnout?

This workshop is suited for young musicians who are already creating and recording music and trying to get it out into the world. During the workshop we'll discuss your needs and possible approaches to building a distinctive career outside the classic templates of the music industry, which don't work for everyone.

You'll be guided by musician Ewelina Chiu, aka Ai fen, whom you may know from the duo ba:zel, as well as from her solo work and latest album I've Been a Body, which explores physicality and motherhood and combines piano compositions with expressive vocals and drone. She'll be joined by Marie Čtveráčková, who currently works not only in music and running Synth Library Prague, but also researches music export as part of Palacký University's CIRG research group.

The workshop is followed by an Ai fen concert, once again accompanied by the Oswald duo, who also collaborated on her current album.

You must register for the workshop in advance HERE.