ULYSSES Online: Being Played. Being Heard. Being Recognised.

Date: June 24, 2026
Time: 14.30 – 16.00 CET

What does it mean to be recognised as an artist in contemporary music today? 

In this special session, recorded live during Ircam’s Manifeste Festival, we want to hear from you – the emerging composers, performers, conductors, sound artists, media artists and curators working in contemporary music today. 

Open to participants both online and on-site, Being Played. Being Heard. Being Recognised. brings together young contemporary music artists for an open and structured conversation about their professional lives, the challenges they face, and the changes they want to see. The aim is to create the conditions for honest, substantive dialogue so that every voice can be heard.

The session will take place in both plenary and small group formats. Part of it will be recorded and streamed; participants will be fully informed of the terms on the day, and those who prefer to contribute off the record will have the option to do so.

What emerges from this conversation will feed directly into a report to be delivered to the European Commission in 2028, examining the situation, needs and aspirations of young artists in Europe today. This is the first of several sessions. The report will be built from testimony gathered in rooms like this one — from the words, experiences and perspectives of young artists themselves.

This is an opportunity to ensure that European cultural policy, at a moment when it is actively being shaped, reflects the reality of those whom it most directly concerns.

This online session is hosted by IRCAM. If you would like to participate, please register per email at community.ulysses@gmail.com latest on Monday 22nd June. 

Looking forward to seeing you online!