2026 Call For Works

 
 

CAST (Contemporary Art & Sound Technologies)
is a new platform dedicated to supporting experimental creators working at the intersection of sound, music, and visual media. Our mission is to foster bold, interdisciplinary work by connecting emerging and established artists with innovative institutions, professional resources, and collaborative opportunities. Through performances, workshops, and mentorship, CAST aims to cultivate a vibrant community where contemporary art and technology converge, offering artists space to explore, experiment, and share their work with engaged audiences.

 

Call for Works:

CAST is now accepting project proposals from sound/music and video artists for our inaugural 2026 season. Submissions are open until September 5th. We are seeking innovative, experimental artists to develop new works over a week of workshops and rehearsals in Austin from March 23rd to March 27th, and a unique performance opportunity on Saturday, March 28th at dadaLab in Austin, TX.

Up to 8 composers and 8 visual artists will be selected and have the opportunity to work with local Austin Institutions – dadaLab, Soundmap Ensemble, and Line upon Line Percussion. Selected participants will be paired to create a team with one composer and one visual artist to develop a collaborative work. Alternatively, one artist could apply to do both – visual and audio content. Please note that composers and visual artists do not need prior experience in projects that combine both audio and visual media.

Composers:

Composers are invited to apply with works in several categories of solo electronic music—including stereo or multichannel audio playback, acousmatic, real-time/interactive works, or other performance-driven electronic formats—as well as mixed music (instrumental ensemble with electronics).

For those applying in the Mixed Music category, two ensemble options are available:

  • Line Upon Line (2 percussionists)

  • SoundMap Ensemble – 8 musicians and conductor (Flute, Clarinet, Trombone, Percussion, Keyboard, Violin, Viola and Cello)

The final selection will include at least four mixed music works. Scores must be submitted by January 15th.

Electronic music components may include up to 8.1 channels, microphones, click track, and/or controllers. Additional materials may be provided based on project needs.

Visual Artists:

Visual artists are invited to apply as contributors in a range of categories that explore the creative interplay between sound and image. These may include generative video, visual live coding, VJing, glitch art, 3D animation, audio-reactive visuals, interactive or immersive video, narrative video art, and projection mapping. We welcome works that push boundaries, experiment with form, and engage audiences through innovative visual expression.


Multidisciplinary artists working with both sound and video are welcome to apply.

Event logistics/participant expectations:

From March 23rd to March 28th, 2026, selected participants will be invited to Austin for a week of artistic development, mentorship, and professional documentation of their work. The program includes access to immersive sound and visual media workshops, rehearsal time with performers, and opportunities to experiment and refine work in a professional setting. All final pieces will be publicly showcased and professionally documented. Each participating artist will receive a $500 honorarium.

The primary performance of the selected works will be held on Saturday, March 28, at dadaLab, while documentation of the work will be completed on Friday, March 27. We encourage all selected artists to participate in all activities the week of March 23-28, but it is not required if travel is not possible.

All submissions will be carefully reviewed, and we encourage artists of all backgrounds and experience levels to apply. Your submission should include the following materials:

  • Portfolio: A PDF containing two representative works, either linked to external sites or embedded directly in the document

  • CV: An up-to-date curriculum vitae

  • Proposal: A brief description (maximum one page) that generally outlines your working process for the proposed CAST performance or how your participation will contribute to a multimedia collaboration.

    • For composers: Determine if you want to work with musicians, and if so, which ensemble. Please also specify what electronics components or specifications you will be working with.

    • For visual artists: Outline your approach to collaboration with a composer and what technical approaches you would like to explore.

    • For multimedia (a/v) artists: Outline your overall compositional approach and technical needs for creating an audio-visual performance.


Selection:

Participants will be selected by a jury, which will also organize collaborative teams consisting of one composer and one visual artist. The jury includes:

  • Kyle Evans — Co-Founder of dadaLab; Assistant Professor of Practice, Department of Arts and Entertainment Technologies, UT Austin

  • Januibe Tejera — Composer, Conductor, Artistic Director of SoundMap; Assistant Professor of Composition, Butler School of Music

  • Matt Teodori — Artistic Director, Line Upon Line

  • Aida Shirazi — Composer, Improviser; Professor of Composition, Austin Community College; Director, Iranian Female Composers Association

If you have questions about the project or proposal, please feel free to contact: 

Kyle Evans – kyle@dadageek.com

Januibe Tejera – ensemblesoundmap@gmail.com

CAST is presented in partnership with

  • The College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Austin, with specific support from the Department of Arts and Entertainment Technologies and the Butler School of Music.

  • SoundMap

  • Line Upon Line Percussion

  • dadageek and dadaLab