ROTTERDAM, 29 March 2025 – Rotterdam’s summer music scene is opening up to fresh talent and creative organisers as North Sea Round Town issues its annual open call. The festival invites artists and curators to pitch innovative concepts that could become part of the city’s most widespread music event.
Open call announced for North Sea Round Town 2025
Organisers of North Sea Round Town (NSRT), the official fringe festival of NN North Sea Jazz, have launched their annual open call, seeking proposals for music-related events to take place between 26 June and 13 July 2025 across Rotterdam. The call is open until 15 April 2025.
Each year, NSRT brings live music to unexpected locations throughout the city, ranging from churches and gardens to nightclubs and neighbourhood squares. The festival aims to connect scenes, generations, and communities through a broad range of genres including jazz, hip-hop, experimental, and electronic.
Focus on innovation, diversity, and inclusion
Applicants are encouraged to submit concepts that offer new perspectives and engage with Rotterdam’s diverse communities. Projects should demonstrate artistic innovation, contribute to the local cultural landscape, and be accessible to a wide audience.
Preference will be given to proposals that:
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Support young and emerging talent
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Foster collaborations between established and upcoming artists
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Offer unique or exclusive experiences not found elsewhere in the city
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Prioritise smaller ensembles to ensure feasibility
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Promote cultural, generational, and gender diversity
NSRT also encourages new initiatives and debut projects, provided the applicant has secured a venue.
Application requirements and eligibility
Applications are welcomed from a variety of applicants, including musicians, cultural venues, creative producers, and music collectives. However, applicants must already have a confirmed venue in Rotterdam. NSRT does not mediate between artists and venues.
Those eligible include:
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Venue hosts submitting a confirmed act or band
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Artists with a confirmed venue and at least one music release between 2024 and July 2025
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Creators or project coordinators with a full production and marketing plan
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New initiatives that contribute to the city's evolving musical identity
Projects must be submitted with a clear vision, a confirmed venue, a production plan, and a marketing strategy.
Financial support and fair pay policy
While NSRT may offer financial contributions, funding is limited. Selected proposals may be eligible for up to 50% of the SENA standard musician’s fee (€330 per performance), capped at €165 per musician. This applies only to complete applications.
All participating musicians must be paid fairly according to SENA guidelines, even if NSRT financial support is not granted. Student performers may be compensated at 50% of the SENA rate. Compensation for semi-professional artists or workshop-related events will be considered individually.
NSRT is not a funding organisation and encourages applicants to ensure financial feasibility before applying.
Key considerations for applicants
Organisers advise applicants to avoid programming the same performance in Rotterdam within three months prior or one month following the festival. Proposals that do not meet this requirement may be removed from the final line-up.
The selection committee will prioritise proposals that are:
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Realistic in scope and budget
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Accessible to the public, ideally with free or low-cost entry
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Environmentally and logistically sustainable
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Distinct from other events taking place in the same period
Applicants who are also receiving support under the Nationaal Podium Plan (NPP) may not be eligible for additional NSRT funding, due to co-financing regulations.
How to apply
Interested parties must submit their proposals no later than 15 April 2025. Applications can be submitted through the official North Sea Round Town website.
Those selected will have their events included in the festival’s promotional campaign and programme.
Event locations and directions
Where the festival takes place
North Sea Round Town events are held across Rotterdam, in both well-known and unexpected locations. From intimate neighbourhood spaces to iconic cultural venues, the city becomes the festival stage.
Festival organisers recommend planning performances in areas that are easily accessible to the public, such as community centres, parks, or cultural institutions.
