The Call for Contributions for the AEC Annual Congress 2026 taking place at the University of Music and Theatre Hamburg on 4–7 November 2026 is now open with deadline 10th June.
Under the title “From Institutions to Interaction: Responsive Education and Relevant Practices in the Arts”, the AEC Congress Committee invites contributions exploring how conservatoires can foster new relationships between education, artistic practice and society. Through three strands Innovating Classical Music, Comprehensive Learning and Teaching Music, and Leadership and Strategy, the selected contributions will examine how institutions can embrace innovation, strengthen their professional relevance, support wellbeing and sustainable careers, and lead meaningful change.
This is the first time we are opening the shaping of the Congress programme to AEC members and the wider community — do not miss this unique opportunity to actively co-create the AEC key annual event under the motto “Talk Less, Participate More”! Participatory and interactive formats such as workshops, co-creation spaces, round tables, that include active audience involvement are particularly welcome.
Representatives of AEC member institutions, including students, teaching and research staff, senior leaders, middle managers and international officers are welcome to apply. We also encourage proposals from AEC working groups, AEC partner networks, project consortia and cultural organisations.
Deadline: 10 June 2026
Proposals should be sent via the official Submission Form
Please read carefully the full text of the call to learn about the strands, topics, formats and type of sessions addressed by the Call.
We warmly encourage you to share this call within your institution and beyond. For more information and questions please write to Sara Primiterra at events@aec-music.eu.
We look forward to your contributions and to co-creating a dynamic AEC Congress together! Online registration to take part in the event will open in July on the AEC website.
