Record 2,200 Artists Apply for Tallinn Music Week 2026

The number marks a significant rise from last year’s 1,791 applications from 106 countries, underscoring the festival’s growing global profile. 

The highest number of submissions came from the United Kingdom (362), Estonia (198), and Finland (173), followed by France, Italy, and Canada. Ireland joins the top 20 for the first time, while notable growth also came from Sweden and Poland.

Artists from every continent except Antarctica applied, with new submissions arriving from destinations such as Barbados, Madagascar, and Chile.

“We’re absolutely delighted with yet another record number of artist applications, which continues to grow year on year,” said Eva Johanna Lepikov, Executive Producer of TMW. “It’s a clear sign that both at home and abroad, the platform TMW offers is valued, and that our export activities are fruitful. The level of candidates this time is really impressive, and there is lots of joy of discovery.”

From the 2,198 applicants, around 175 artists will be selected for the official showcase programme, to be announced in January 2026. The showcase concerts will take place across various venues and clubs in Tallinn, Estonia, from 9–11 April, curated by a team of Estonian and international music experts.

Since its launch in 2009, Tallinn Music Week has established itself as the leading showcase festival for new music, arts, and ideas in the Baltic-Nordic region. The event annually attracts around 18,000 visitors and more than 1,300 international music industry professionals and media representatives.

Top 20 TMW 2026 Applications by Country

United Kingdom – 362

Estonia – 198

Finland – 173

France – 154

Italy – 136

Canada – 126

Germany – 123

Sweden – 108

Poland – 97

Spain – 89

United States – 82

Portugal – 53

Ukraine – 51

Latvia – 45

Belgium – 42

Ireland – 42

Netherlands – 41

Lithuania – 40

Denmark – 39

Austria – 35