Ireland Music Week 2025 is set to welcome a groundbreaking international focus with the launch of “Baltic Focus at Ireland Music Week”, a collaborative initiative between Music Latvia, Music Estonia, and the Lithuanian Music Business Association. Taking place in Dublin this October, the initiative aims to spotlight emerging music and industry talent from the Baltic states — Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia — on one of Europe’s most respected showcase festival stages. From the Baltic states, 3 artists and 15 professionals will be selected altogether.
Ireland Music Week, running from October 2–3, 2025, is known for its rigorous artist selection and impactful industry programming, including panels, workshops, and networking sessions. Now, with Baltic Focus, the festival expands its geographical reach and inclusivity, recognizing the vibrant and innovative music scenes in the Baltic region. The Baltic Focus marks the first major presence of Baltic artists at the festival, opening new avenues for cultural exchange and industry collaboration. The project not only introduces the distinct musical voices of the region to international audiences but also strengthens ties with Ireland’s Baltic diaspora of over 55,000 people.
One act from each of the three countries will be selected through an open call, with the final line-up chosen by the three national export offices and Ireland Music Week representatives. Selected artists will receive a 500 EUR performance fee, backline support, and up to 1500 EUR in travel and accommodation reimbursement. All the selected artists will receive mentoring, artist meetings and speed-meeting opportunities. Five music professionals will be selected from each country — a total of up to 15 professionals — to join the delegation. Travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed up to 700 EUR. Each country’s music export office will make the selection based on the strength of the application, export plans targeting the destination country and its surrounding regions, and ongoing export activities. Additionally, 2 music professionals — totaling up to 6 professionals from the Baltics — are invited by the festival itself, with the following coverage of the costs – accommodation for 3 nights and travel reimbursement up to 200 euros.
Applications are open until May 25, 2025, to artists and professionals based in Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania, from any genre. This is a unique opportunity to connect with leading music industry professionals from across Europe and perform at one of the continent’s most influential music events.
See artist terms & conditions: HERE
Apply to play: https://musicestonia.typeform.com/to/jsrSDmxy
See delegation terms & conditions: HERE
Apply for delegation: https://musicestonia.typeform.com/to/UXuwgRlh
For more details and to apply, artists can contact their national partner organization. The Baltic Focus is supported by the Baltic Culture Fund.
