Funds

The goal of international songwriting camps is to empower local emerging music publishers, record labels, studios, and management teams — creating opportunities for international collaboration and new music creation.

Tallinn is home to several high-level studios and music publishers whose daily work focuses on fostering collaboration between songwriters, producers, composers, and artists, as well as creating new music for artists. In order to help local studios, publishers, and authors find new collaborators and international pathways, a songwriting camp funding scheme has been established. Through this fund, local music publishers, studios, and labels can apply for support to organize songwriting camps.

The application terms have been developed by Music Estonia. Applications are evaluated by a panel of experts convened by Music Estonia, assessing the project’s quality and potential impact on the local music sector.

Fund volume: €7,500

The fund is financed by the UNESCO City of Music Tallinn.

Conditions

• The camp must take place in a studio located in Tallinn (a confirmation from the studio must be included in the application).
• The applicant must be a legal entity.
• At the time of application, at least two Estonian authors/producers must be confirmed. In addition, at least two international authors/producers must be confirmed, or there must be a confirmation of collaboration from an international publisher or record label.
• At least 50% of the Estonian participants must come from outside the applying publisher’s own roster or affiliated personnel. Open calls may be used to fill available spots.
• At least 30% of the participants must be international authors and producers.
• The maximum grant per project is €2,500.
• Co-financing must be at least 20% of the project’s total cost.
• Eligible expenses include flights, accommodation, studio rental, and other directly related organizational costs.
• The fund does not cover production, mixing, mastering fees, or costs related to the release of songs.
• If more than one application is submitted by the same company during the current funding period, the decision will be made by the evaluation committee, giving preference to broader industry representation and stronger applications.
• Applications are reviewed at least once per month, and for camps taking place the following month, applications must be submitted by the end of the previous month.
• After the event, recipients must submit a content report using the provided template, no later than one month after the project’s conclusion.
• Marketing materials must clearly display the City of Music Tallinn logo and reference City of Music Tallinn in social media posts where appropriate.

Evaluation Criteria

The project’s potential impact on the company’s future activities (priority is given to companies for whom this represents a core activity or strategic direction, rather than one-off projects).

• Prior experience in organizing international co-writing camps is considered a plus.
• The profile and experience of the participating Estonian and international songwriters/producers.
• Preference is given to projects where the music has a clear output — for example, written for specific artists, briefs, or in collaboration with a label — increasing the likelihood of release.
• Projects involving more songwriters, producers, and artists are favored. Camps organized for just one artist are less preferred.
• Projects that include a public call for at least 1–2 additional participants are encouraged, as this increases the project’s reach.
• The project must have a clear and well-thought-out budget.

Evaluation Committee

The panel is coordinated by Marili Randla from Music Estonia.

Experts:

• Martiina Putnik
• Liisi Voolaid
• Bert Prikenfeld
• Tambet Mumma, representative of EFÜ (Estonian Phonogram Producers)
• Representative of EAÜ (Estonian Authors’ Society)

A representative from City of Music Tallinn will participate in the panel without voting rights.