Transformation is the theme of the 22nd CTM festival, which its organisers describe as its Pandemic Edition. “If there is one thing the past year has shown, it is that the grotesque inequalities on this planet – whether social, ecological, or political – cannot be sustained,” declares CTM’s press statement. “What seemingly began as a health emergency is rather an intertwining of environmental, social, economic and political crises – and part of a global crisis of equity and of care.

“Amidst fragmented narratives and realities,” the statement continues, “how might we envision a different future?”

Three open calls have also been announced. As usual, CTM Radio Lab seeks proposals for works that combine radio and live performance or installation, and which are connected to the current festival theme. Open to artists worldwide, the commissioned works will premiere at CTM 2021 in Berlin and also broadcast as a 40–55 minute radio show in Deutschlandfunk Kultur’s Klangkunst programme. The Österreichischer Rundfunk (Austrian Broadcasting Service) will also showcase the works via one or more of its platforms. Special restrictions in line with COVID-19 requirements have also been put in place. Proposals should take into account that a presentation of the work may not be possible in front of a live audience, and applicants from outside of the EU should be prepared to participate remotely. They also recommend artists take into account social distancing measures and suggest interesting presentation alternatives. Deadline is 16 September 2020.

Other open calls include one for generative audio works for the festival’s Kontinuum strand. The call invites composers and musicians to submit proposals for a generative audio stream to be played 24/7 over the course of a year. “The stream should have a narrative quality in the broadest sense of the term, with special attention paid to how the stream/sound piece develops over time in a compelling way. The work should refer to the CTM 2021 Transformation theme, and respond to states of multiplicity.” FInally, the Research Networking Day 2021 seeks students and scholars to submit critical research presentations from all areas of study that also address the scope of CTM’s Transformation theme.

This year CTM has also launched a new website that promises not only festival information but also essays and articles previously printed in its yearly CTM magazine.