Artists' Submissions Open Call for mjf2027

Artists' Submissions Open Call for mjf2027

manchester jazz festival (mjf) Closing date: Fri, 11 Sep 2026

Artform: Music
Role: Performer
Contract: Temporary
North West

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

Are you a contemporary genre-pushing jazz artist creating new and surprising music? Would you like to play at manchester's longest running music festival? Then this is the opportunity for you! Apply to play mjf2027 (21-30 May).

Job Description

mjf was the first festival to pioneer an open artists' submission system and this still informs our programme today, accounting for over 30% of our lineup.

We're a contemporary jazz festival and we champion artists playing original work - especially those living and working in the north west of England, although applications are welcome from all over the world.

We are brave in our programming, constantly on the lookout for up and coming talent, and often give a platform to new and surprising music.

Whilst mjf takes place at various venues across both the city centre and boroughs of Manchester (Band on the Wall, Matt & Phreds, Forsyths, The Carlton Club, Stollerhall, RNCM) the majority of our artists programmed through submissions take to the stage, performing sometimes in front of thousands, at our free to access weekend at First Street.

Last year's artists included:

Elin Grace: https://elingrace.com/
David Kayode: https://davidkayode.co.uk/
Charlie Cooper: https://www.charliecoopermusic.com/bio
Ankora: https://www.ankoramusic.com/

Job Requirements

mjf gives priority to:

- contemporary jazz and jazz-related music
- artists based in the north west of England (however we are happy to receive applications from all over the world)
- new and/or original work
- artists showcasing unusual or unique work/collaborations
- artists who help us present a diverse, fully representative programme

Job Responsibilities

- You would be required for a one off paid performance slot ranging from 45 minutes - 2 hour set.

Please note, there is no application fee. All festival performers are paid fairly according to industry standards; fees & performance slots will be agreed prior to contracting.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Artists' Submissions Open Call for mjf2027
  • Salary: Under £10K
  • Hours: Part time
  • Artform: Music
  • Role: Performer
  • Contract: Temporary
  • Closing date: Fri, 11 Sep 2026
  • Location:
    North West

How to Apply

Please complete a short form via our website (link to apply below). If you have any questions or problems when filling in the form, don't hesitate to contact [email protected]. Deadline is the 20th September, 10 am. Unfortunately due to the volume of expected applications we will be unable to provide feedback to those that have been unsuccessful.

Submissions close midnight on Friday 11th September.