Would you like contribute to the HearSay26 Programme? [CLOSED]

What are we looking for? 

You know HearSay, You know Kilfinane - everything is possible! 

[THIS CALL IS NOW CLOSED -  THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUBMITTED - ITS BEEN AN ABSOLUTELY MASSIVE RESPONSE FOR WHICH WE ARE SO GRATEFUL - GIVEN THE SIZE OF THE RESPONSE, WE ESTIMATE BETWEEN 1 IN 3 AND 1 IN 4 WILL BE SELECTED

IF YOU HAVE SUBMITTED AND PLAN ON ATTENDING REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOUR IDEA IS SELECTED, PLEASE DO REGISTER FOR YOUR HEARSAY26 PLACE IMMEDIATELY AS PLACES WILL BOOK OUT SHORTLY] 

At HearSay26 an expected 80 events, sessions and encounters will take place over 4 days from the evening of Thursday May 4th to the early afternoon of Sunday May 10th 2026. These will range from deep insights into the craft of creative audio to experiences with sound at their core. HearSay offers possibilities for playful experiment, intriguing collaborations, and fresh conversations.

We're interested in contribution pitches on all aspects of creative audio from crafted podcasts, radio docs, film/TV Sound, audio fiction, sound/radio art, and more. ​

[Note you can submit more than one idea if you like - simply fill out the form again]

in the form, we outline the 7 programme threads: Think, Place,  Deepen, Encounter, Converse, Experience, Celebrate. 

We've put an old programme online HERE to give inspiration

[Please note that we are NOT looking for music performances - except where it is music IN COLLABORATION with other creative audio elements (documentary, fiction, theatre, arts etc)​]

Does it have to be new?

Yes (ish) HearSay is about possibilities - about experimentation, about having the time and space to try something you've always wanted to try but didn't have the resources, the space, or the support.

If it's something that you've said or done a million times before, it would be a waste of the opportunity HearSay offers. 

It might be an idea you really wish to explore properly, a provocation you want to give, a group of people you've wanted to get feedback or inspiration from.

Equally it might be something based on something you've already begun exploring, sounds you've gathered, a project that is still evolving, or HearSay might provide an opportunity to do something you've done before but in a completely different context, engaging with people who would be very unfamiliar with your discipline.

HearSay allows for risks and development in a place of community, of shared ideas and mutual support. 

Who do I have to be? 

To pitch an idea for HearSay26 via this form, It is very helpful in planning your idea if you have attended a previously HearSay Festival as contributor or attendee or volunteer but it is not mandatory.

If you haven't attended HearSay before, why not ask someone who has what it is like.

You don't have to have a big name!  One of the joys of HearSay is that we support emerging ideas and talent who are doing something exciting. However, you do need to be able to carry off what you are pitching.​

Of course, you can have a big name! Another joy of HearSay is makers at the very top of their game being able try something fresh away from the performer-audience model. Instead you have the chance to be part of a community, and be inspired by what you are exploring and what you are experiencing.

What do I need to do? 

In the HearSay26 Ideas submission form, we ask you give us your contact details, a brief biography of those involved, a 200 word outline of the idea, and guidance on technical and venue. 

We will also be asking all contributors whose ideas are greenlighted, to help out with an additional minimal preparation event (Open House, Chocolate Box Layer, Audio ReachOut) which are very enjoyable from previous years feedback so we ask you to nominate which you would like to do if successful.

What does HearSay26 offer?

We really appreciate you being willing to make HearSay26 magical. For contributors whose proposal is greenlighted, we offer

A comfortable bed immersed in a community of fellow contributors for the duration of the Festival.

Creative Residencies - On request, we can provide accommodation for up to one week in Ireland from Monday 4th May to Monday 11th May 2026 to make, prepare, mingle, explore - your choice.

We also have a very small number of multi-week residencies where a contributor needs time locally to create something for the Festival. 

Travel Support - If really needed, we will contribute towards your cost of travel to HearSay. We want to make sure that participation at HearSay is accessible to all.

Some contributors in previous years have been able to secure travel support from their employers or practice. We have had other contributors who have secured commissions to come to Ireland, others who have funding support available from another source - If that's possible great and let us know if need any letters or documentation.

Practical Support to realize your vision - We want HearSay to be a place of possibilities. We've dealt with everything from a request for a piano, a confessional, a bathtub, 20 mattresses, design assistance for a box, soil, actors, location guidance, water-proofed surround sound, local people to interview, singers, harpist, a hair salon, blindfolds.

If you've a clear idea about how to make it work, we're here to support you with whatever you need to make your idea work.  

We will provide all technical equipment and crew needed to realise your idea. If you need surround sound, radio mics, a pram, a confessional, we are there for you. We have a (limited) budget too to assist with materials as required. Just ask us.

Collaboration and Community - HearSay is all about community both the international audio community and our local community here in Kilfinane. We've deep connections with local singers, drama groups, dancers, hikers, schools, and community groups in our village. Collaboration between contributors and local groups and people can be facilitated and ideas. We've also matched possible contributors together as their ideas evolved. 

Invitation and Multi-day Festival Pass  HearSay is an independent and not-for-profit Festival. We ask all attendees to make a contribution in accordance with their means. 
As a contributor, you will be issued with an invitation to the Festival and a Multi-day Festival Pass where​ outside of your own event(s), you get to experience and join in everything
You can make any donation for your pass that you feel you wish to with no expectations. We really value your time, and commitment to making HearSay a slice of Audio Heaven. ​

Any More Questions? 

If you have any queries about HearSay or the questions in the form, please don't hesitate get in touch with the Festival Director Diarmuid McIntyre via diarmuid at hearsayfestival.ie 
 

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