Atheras Peoples and Cultures invites composers and performer-researchers to apply for the Nicosia Ludic Lab, a 31-day international residency dedicated to exploring ‘play’ as a compositional and performative methodology in contemporary music.
Building on the artistic vision of the Toyful Music Festival, the residency creates a focused environment where experimentation, precision, and imagination coexist, redefining how music is conceived, structured, and performed.
The residency will be held in Nicosia, Cyprus, from 23 October – 22 November 2026, and participants will develop new ensemble works, directly shaping the artistic programme of the Toyful Music Festival 2026.
Applications are open to individual artists (proposals from duets or collectives will not be considered) based in a Creative Europe country. Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in experimental, ensemble-based practices.
Selected residents will receive:
- Full financial support (travel, accommodation, daily allowance)
- Shared accommodation in central Nicosia
- Continuous access to professional ensemble
- Mentorship sessions and individual meetings with ensemble members
- Coaching sessions with composer and conductor Andys Skordis
- Artistic and professional guidance from Atheras team
- Rehearsal space and full production support for the Phase 3
- Video and audio recording of the final live concert for documentation and international visibility
