ARKO Supports Next-Generation Musicians: Recruiting Participants for WFIMC International Forum

Applications Open Until April 10

The Arts Council Korea (ARKO) announced on March 23 that it is recruiting Korean participants for the "2026 WFIMC Inspiring the Future (2026 WFIMC International Forum)," which will be held in collaboration with the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) to support the global career development and international network expansion of next-generation musicians.

The 2026 WFIMC International Forum is an international career platform for emerging musicians, where key figures from major competitions, concert halls, and educational institutions around the world—including planners and artists—will gather to discuss the contemporary music environment and career strategies for artists. This year’s forum is scheduled to take place from June 16 to 19 at Vilnius Town Hall and other venues in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Forum participants will take part in sessions, workshops, concerts, and artist talks focused on major issues in the contemporary music ecosystem, such as creative programming and storytelling-based performance planning, new performance formats and stage language, audience development strategies, and building digital communities for artists. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to engage in networking programs with key figures in the global music industry, allowing them to gain insights into international trends and expand their global networks for future collaborations.

ARKO will select approximately 15 Korean musicians to attend the forum, providing their participation fees, accommodation, and airfare. Eligible applicants are next-generation musicians aged 35 or younger who are either preparing to enter or are already active on the international stage, including university (or graduate school) students in music, middle and high school students specializing in the arts, as well as emerging and professional performers.

This forum is a follow-up project to the international forum jointly hosted by ARKO and the WFIMC in Seoul in December 2025. It aims to expand the foundation for cooperation, enabling Korean musicians to build even closer connections with international music ecosystems such as European concert halls, competitions, and educational institutions.

Applications for the 2026 WFIMC International Forum will be accepted online through the official application page operated by the WFIMC until April 10. Further details can be found on the websites of the Arts Council Korea or the WFIMC.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.