Nicosia Ludic Lab Residency – Toyful Music Festival 2026

The Atheras Peoples & Cultures is accepting applications for the Nicosia Ludic Lab 2026, a fully funded 31-day international residency for composers from Creative Europe countries. The residency enables four selected composers to create new acoustic ensemble works through experimental, play-based composition, culminating in world premiere performances at the Toyful Music Festival 2026.

Program Overview

The Nicosia Ludic Lab is an international artist residency designed for composers interested in experimental contemporary music and collaborative composition. Organized by Atheras Peoples & Cultures, the residency offers participants the opportunity to develop original ensemble works in partnership with a professional ensemble through hands-on experimentation, rehearsals, mentorship, and artistic collaboration.

The residency explores how play can become a creative tool in music composition. Throughout the 31-day program, composers will experiment with toys, everyday objects, game structures, and acoustic instruments to produce innovative musical works that will premiere at the Toyful Music Festival 2026.

Program at a Glance

• Organizer: Atheras Peoples & Cultures
• Program: Nicosia Ludic Lab 2026
• Residency Duration: 31 days
• Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
• Number of Selected Participants: Four composers
• Project Outcome: Creation of a new acoustic ensemble work
• Performance: World premiere at the Toyful Music Festival 2026
• Funding: Fully funded residency
• Target Applicants: Individual composers based in Creative Europe countries

Program Objectives

The residency aims to:

• Support composers in developing new contemporary ensemble works.
• Encourage experimental approaches to music composition.
• Explore play as both a compositional and performance methodology.
• Promote collaboration between composers and professional performers.
• Foster artistic innovation through experimentation and rehearsal.
• Present newly created works to public audiences during the Toyful Music Festival.

Understanding the Residency Theme

The central theme of the residency is play as a creative and artistic process in contemporary music.

Participants are encouraged to explore two complementary approaches:

• Material Play: Using toys, toy instruments, household objects, or everyday materials as sound-producing musical elements within an acoustic ensemble.
• Systemic Play: Transforming the rules, mechanics, strategies, and behaviors of games into compositional structures and musical forms.

Rather than relying on electronic music or digital media, composers will focus on acoustic sound production, experimentation, and collaborative performance.

Residency Structure

The residency is divided into three phases.

Phase 1: Experimentation (Days 1–5)

Participants work directly with the professional ensemble to:

• Test musical ideas.
• Explore sound possibilities.
• Experiment with toys and objects.
• Develop initial compositional concepts.

Phase 2: Composition and Development (Days 6–23)

During this stage, composers refine their works through:

• Individual composition sessions.
• Ensemble rehearsals.
• Mentorship meetings.
• Collaborative discussions.
• Artistic feedback from performers.

Phase 3: Final Rehearsals and Performance (Days 24–31)

The final phase focuses on:

• Completing compositions.
• Full ensemble rehearsals.
• Performance preparation.
• Public presentations.
• World premiere performances at the Toyful Music Festival.
• Open Studio sessions showcasing the creative process.

Composition Requirements

Selected composers must create one original work that meets the following requirements:

• Duration between 7 and 10 minutes.
• Written for the complete Toyful Music Festival Ensemble.
• Ensemble consists of four to five performers.
• All performers must participate in the composition.
• Solo works and smaller chamber group compositions are not permitted.
• Works must remain entirely acoustic.
• Electronic music, fixed media, and digital sound elements are not supported.
• Toys, toy instruments, and object-based sound sources are encouraged.

Residency Benefits

Selected composers will receive comprehensive financial and professional support, including:

• International travel support.
• Shared accommodation in central Nicosia.
• Daily living allowance.
• Continuous access to a professional ensemble.
• Individual mentorship and coaching.
• Artistic guidance from the Atheras team.
• Rehearsal facilities.
• Production support.
• Professional audio recordings.
• Professional video recordings of the final concert.
• Opportunity to premiere a new composition at an international music festival.
• International networking opportunities with artists and performers.

Mentorship and Artistic Support

Participants will work closely with experienced professionals throughout the residency.

Support includes:

• Mentorship from composer and conductor Andys Skordis.
• Artistic guidance from the Atheras Peoples & Cultures team.
• Collaborative rehearsals with professional musicians.
• Continuous creative feedback throughout the composition process.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Apply as an individual composer.
• Be based in a Creative Europe country.
• Be available for the full 31-day residency.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in experimental contemporary music.
• Show experience or enthusiasm for ensemble-based composition.
• Be interested in collaborative artistic practices.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applications will not be considered:

• Duets.
• Composer collectives.
• Group applications.
• Applicants unable to attend the full residency.
• Projects involving electronic music or fixed media.

Why This Residency Matters

The Nicosia Ludic Lab offers composers an opportunity to experiment freely within a professional artistic environment.

Participants benefit by:

• Developing new compositional techniques.
• Working directly with professional performers.
• Exploring innovative artistic methodologies.
• Receiving expert mentorship.
• Presenting original work to international audiences.
• Building long-term professional relationships.
• Expanding their international artistic portfolio.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the residency, participants will have:

• Created a new original ensemble composition.
• Refined their work through collaborative rehearsals.
• Received professional artistic mentorship.
• Premiered their composition publicly.
• Produced professional video and audio documentation.
• Expanded their international artistic network.

How to Apply

Applicants should complete the following steps:

1. Confirm that you are based in a Creative Europe country.
2. Ensure you can participate in the entire 31-day residency.
3. Prepare your application as an individual composer.
4. Demonstrate your interest and experience in experimental and ensemble-based composition.
5. Review the artistic theme and ensure your proposal aligns with play-based compositional practices.
6. Submit all required application materials before the official deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying as a duo or collective.
• Proposing electronic or fixed-media compositions.
• Designing works for solo performers or small chamber groups.
• Ignoring the residency’s play-based artistic theme.
• Submitting incomplete application materials.
• Failing to demonstrate availability for the full residency.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your application:

• Clearly explain your artistic vision.
• Demonstrate experience with collaborative composition.
• Show openness to experimentation and creative risk-taking.
• Highlight your interest in acoustic and object-based sound.
• Explain how the residency aligns with your artistic development.
• Present a thoughtful and innovative creative approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the residency?

Individual composers based in Creative Europe countries who are interested in experimental and ensemble-based composition can apply.

Can composer duos or collectives apply?

No. Only individual applications are accepted.

How long is the residency?

The residency lasts 31 days.

What kind of music should participants create?

Participants must compose a new 7–10-minute acoustic ensemble work using the full Toyful Music Festival Ensemble. The use of toys and everyday objects as musical materials is encouraged.

Are electronic instruments or fixed media allowed?

No. The residency focuses exclusively on acoustic music and does not support electronic elements or fixed media.

What financial support is provided?

Selected participants receive travel support, accommodation, a daily allowance, mentorship, rehearsal space, production support, and professional audio and video recordings.

What happens at the end of the residency?

Each composer will present the world premiere of their newly created work during the Toyful Music Festival 2026, along with participating in an Open Studio presentation showcasing their creative process.

Conclusion

The Nicosia Ludic Lab 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for composers to explore experimental music through play-based composition in a collaborative international environment. With full financial support, mentorship from experienced professionals, access to a professional ensemble, and the opportunity to premiere new work at the Toyful Music Festival, the residency provides a unique platform for artistic innovation, professional growth, and international collaboration in contemporary music.