UNM (Ung Nordisk Musik) is a joint organization spanning the Nordic and Baltic countries, whose mission is to promote the work of young music makers and sound artists by producing a yearly festival. Founded in 1946, making it one of the oldest festivals of its kind, UNM has been a meeting place for creators under the age of 31 to exchange thoughts, musical ideas and establish new connections with others from across Northern Europe.

Five works from each Nordic country (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland), and two works from each of the Baltics (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) will be selected in this year’s call for works. The selection of works is made by independent juries representing each participating country.

Apply for our Open Call for works: Open Call for Works 2027

Theme: Rewilding
The 2027 festival theme is Rewilding, centering around restoring natural, grassroots processes in art making. We want to de-emphasize the idea of structural systems around art-making and the artist, and instead reinforce a living ecosystem of artists. We want a scene where people support each other, are open to sharing their tools and findings, and celebrate with each other when they find something new and interesting. This, we believe, is what a healthy artistic community looks like, and this is what we want to foster at UNM.

Call for Works
This year, five works will be selected from each Nordic country and two from each Baltic country. The call is open to those who live in Denmark or have a Danish citizenship. We encourage all creators working within the context of music to send in works; ensemble pieces, solo works, installations, audio-visual works, music-theatre, etc. Before submitting your application, it is important that you read the terms and conditions found in the application form.

Application deadline is July 5th 2026 at 23:59 GMT.

UNM Residency 2027

Apply for the residency through: Open Call for Residency

Call for artists-in-residence

In addition to the Call for Works, UNM Iceland opens a Call for Artists-in-Residence, where young composers and sound artists from the Nordics and Baltics are invited to participate in a week-long residency, in Listasmiðjan í Leifshúsum, Svalbarðsströnd, taking place the week before the festival. The residency is built around composer-performers; artists who both compose and perform their own works. Participants will develop new works during the residency, which will be premiered at the festival. More information about the residency can be found in the application form.

Application deadline is June 19th 2026 at 23:59 GMT.

UNM Danmark is grateful to receive genrous support from Dansk Komponistforening and Koda Kultur.