SPARK2: CALL-FOR-COMPOSERS

SPARK2 OVERVIEW

ensemble vim is proud to announce SPARK2, its second biennial collaborative interarts initiative that brings together three composer-artist pairs (compartments) to create new interdisciplinary works in Atlanta. For this cycle, ensemble vim is excited to partner with three Atlanta-based dance companies: gloATL, Wabi Sabi (Terminus Modern Dance), and FyreNation.

Check out features and highlights from the first iteration of ensemble vim’s SPARK!

SPARK2 TIMELINE:

Jan 2, 2026 - Applications open

Mar 31, 2026, 11.59PM - Applications close

By May 15, 2026 - Composer fellows announced

May 2026 - Initial meeting of Minds - Virtual

Sep 2026 - First workshop - Virtual

Nov 2026 - Second workshop - In-Person

Feb 5-10 2027 - SPARKweek! - In-Person

CALL-FOR-COMPOSERS

We are looking for three composers who are interested in collaborating and co-creating works with choreographers, dancers, and ensemble vim. All composers living in the continental United States who are citizens or permanent residents of the US are eligible to apply. We encourage people from every race, creed, color, gender, and sexual/gender orientation to apply.

Selected composers must be available to spend February 6 - 9, 2027 (travel days: Feb 5 and 10) in Atlanta.

Each selected composers will receive:

$2,000 honorarium
two workshops with ensemble vim prior to SPARKweek
$600 travel stipend
Five nights of accommodations in Atlanta for SPARKweek in February 2027
high-quality video and audio recordings of the premiere

DEADLINE: March 30 2026, 11.59PM EST

APPLICATION FEE: None

VIM’s MAX INSTRUMENTATION:

Flute (doubling piccolo and/or alto flute)
Violin
Cello
Piano (doubling toy piano and/or melodica)
Note: Piano preparations will be at the discretion of the pianist. All preparations must not cause damage to the instrument.
Electronist (fixed or live electronics, stereo)

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Application Overview:

Please submit a completed Application Form.

Section 1 - Application Materials (required)

Please submit a link to a folder that consists of the following. Materials must be anonymous. Incomplete applications or submissions that identify the applicant will be immediately disqualified.

1. A 500-word proposal (PDF) that includes the following information:

Your current creative interests, including an artistic vision and a work you would like to co-create with a choreographer, dancers, and ensemble vim. [Note: If selected, you will collaborate with your assigned dance team on a collaborative vision that may differ from the one proposed here]
Your interests and past experiences (if any) in interarts collaborations
Your creative process

2. Two work samples, with at least oneshowing proficiency in composing for a chamber ensemble similar to that of ensemble vim.

Section 2 - Composer Information (required)

Information collected in this section will not be used in the adjudication process and is collected so that we can contact the selected composer fellow.

Section 3 - Demographic Information (optional)

Information collected in this section will not be used in the adjudication process and is collected only for internal data.

ADJUDICATION PROCESS:

Round 1:

A review panel will review all proposals and work samples anonymously and select 8-12 applications to move to the next round of reviews.

Round 2:

Composers’ information will be revealed, and members of ensemble vim will review the applications and invite a shortlist of applicants to a zoom interview to select 3 composer fellows and 1-3 alternates.