Open Mic Sessions - Application Form

Applications Open: Monday 21 September 2026

Applications Close: 5pm Monday 26 October 2026

Please read the Open Mic Sessions Information Pack here before applying

Open Mic Sessions is a new talent development programme for emerging solo artists, singers, rappers, or MC's aged 18-30 who are making original music and have experienced barriers to accessing music performance opportunities.

Between November 2026 and April 2027, Open Mic Sessions will bring together emerging musicians from Bristol and Gloucestershire for a series of workshops, live music events and opportunities to connect with other musicians.

The programme will take place across three areas:

Gloucester
Central Bristol
South Bristol

You must be based in one of the above areas. You’ll take part in a workshop and performance event in the area where you’re based, with support to take part in additional events across the region.

You don’t need to have lots of live performance experience.

We’ll help you to:

build your confidence and skills as a live performer
perform your music live in a supportive environment
meet and collaborate with other emerging musicians
learn from artists and industry professionals
grow your music network and build a community

There is no expectation that you already have a professional music career.

We recognise that opportunity isn't always equal and not everyone may have access to studios, stages or advice. We encourage those from underrepresented backgrounds or who have experienced barriers to apply.

This programme is about helping you to take your first steps so that your first performance becomes the first of many.

Application Process:

All shortlisted applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of diverse professionals currently working in music, decisions will also be based on ensuring there is a balance of representation across the selection.

If completing an online application doesn’t work for you, we can support you to apply another way. Contact hello@bigteamcic.org if you have any questions, or to discuss what would work best for you.

Please click here to find out more about Big Team and view our Privacy Policy.

We would also appreciate it if you could fill out the Big Team equal opportunities form, which can be found here.

First Name and Surname

Artist / Performer / Stage Name

Pronouns (optional)

Date of Birth

Email address

Contact number

What is your postcode?

If you would prefer to upload a video or audio recording of your answers to the below questions instead, you can do this here. (max 4 mins):

What type of Artist do you identify as?

Other type of Artist (please specify)

Do you create your own original music?

Please provide any public social media handles or links you have. (This is optional, you do not need to have a public social media profile to be eligible for this opportunity).

How would you describe yourself as an artist?

How would you describe the genre of music you make? (There isn’t a limit to the music you can create, but you might work in genres such as Rap, R&B, Neo-Soul, Garage, Grime, Hip-hop, Amapiano or Dancehall.)

Open Mic Sessions is for emerging artists who have experienced barriers to accessing music performance opportunities. Where would you say you currently are in your musical development, and why is this the right opportunity for you now?

What excites you about the Open Mic Sessions programme?

Have you performed live, and if so, where? (You do not need to have performed live before to be eligible for this opportunity.)

Do you have a connection with any other music project, talent development programme, community organisation, or college/university at the moment?

Please provide up to 3 links to some video or audio that gives us a sense of who you are as an artist. These could be Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, or a file e.g. Dropbox, Google Drive etc. Any footage of you performing is extra helpful but not essential.

This is an opportunity for emerging artists, so bedroom or phone footage is completely fine and we don’t expect it to be professional quality. (Please remove any access restrictions to files)

Please provide up to 3 links below here:

If you would prefer to upload files directly instead, you can do this here:

Which workshops and events are local to you?

In addition to the ones local to you, which other workshops and events would you be interested in attending? (you can attend multiple workshops and events, spaces will be allocated subject to availability)

Is there anything you’d like to let us know about your availability between now and April 2027? (for example, regular work or study hours, childcare responsibilities etc.)

We are working to improve diversity by providing equity in accessing talent development opportunities, and are asking the following questions so that we can ensure representation in this project for people who are more likely to face barriers.

There is no pressure to disclose any information that you aren’t comfortable sharing in this section.

If you would prefer to talk with someone about the below questions, or if you need support, you can contact: hello@bigteamcic.org

Can you describe any barriers you might have experienced to your musical development or challenges to accessing opportunities, advice, or facilities? How do you think this programme can assist you in this respect? (This question is optional if you would prefer not to answer).

What is your ethnic group? (Choose one option that best describes your ethnic group or background)

Please tell us about the occupation of your main household earner when you were aged 14. If this question does not apply to you (because, for example, you were in care at this time), you can indicate this below.

Do you wish to be contacted in the future by Big Team about other projects and opportunities?

Have you completed the Equal Opportunities Form that is linked above?

Open Mic Sessions - Application Form

About Open Mic Sessions

Personal Information

About Your Music

Availability

Active Equity