Artist Development opportunity for Composers: Optical Soundwaves

Are you a Birmingham-based composer interested in writing and performing live music for film?

From January - March 2026, we're offering a skills development programme focussed on music for film, moving image, and other visual media (including light shows and gaming visuals).

The programme

The programme will include:

• Workshops and masterclasses delivered by guest composers
• Opportunities to network and collaborate with other composers
• Scratch nights for work-in-progress performances (which could be existing projects or new ones developed as part of the programme)

Leading workshops and masterclass series will be former Flatpack commissionees, including:

un.procedure and Guri Bosh
Three piece experimental electronic jazz trio working with specialist visual artist David Stanley (aka Guri Bosh). un.procedure launched this year's festival with a world premiere of their immersive audiovisual experience In Movements.

Scott Johannson (Haunted Screen Records)
Scott has been straddling thw world of film and musical performance for years, with numerous Flatpack performances. You can find examples of his work here: https://vimeo.com/filmficciones (notable viewing: La Jetee)

Xhosa Cole
Commissioned to write a new score for 1989 classic feature Sidewalk Stories, Xhosa pulled together a quintet and produced an incredible piece of music that incorporated elements of improvisation whilst still being sensitive to the film.

Who can apply?

This opportunity is for composers who:

• are based in Birmingham
• are over 18
• have a strong track record for composing, improvising, or performing
• have an interest in making new musical work for film and/or visuals in a live setting

We particularly encourage applications by people from a background that is underrepresented in the film and cultural sector (for example you are from a community that experiences racism, you are neurodiverse, you are from the LGBTQIA+ community, you did not go to university, you had free school meals as a child or you are a disabled person). There is currently a lack of diversity within film exhibition, and we’re committed to change by taking steps towards a more inclusive, interesting, and representative cultural sector.

Dates and Locations

All programme sessions will be held across three venues:

Pan-Pan
25D Floodgate St, Deritend, B5 5SL

Grosvenor Road Studios
16 Grosvenor Road, Birchfield, B20 3NP

Artefact
Pershore Road, Stirchley

Please note: these venues are to be confirmed, and final venue information including transport and accessibility information will be confirmed mid-January. If you have any questions in the meantime, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

If required, we will cover reasonable travel expenses to the venues.

How to apply

To apply complete our Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.

Application Form (Google Form)
Equal Opportunites Monitoring Form (Google Form)

The deadline for applications is 11:59pm, Sunday 11 January 2026.

We will be in touch to confirm whether you have been successful or not by Friday 16 January 2026.