• 28 Aug 2026, 11 a.m., Boardwalk, Glasgow, None, Book here

Friday 28 and Saturday 29 August 2026 | The Boardwalk, Glasgow

Book here 

New Music Scotland's annual sector gathering returns in 2026 in a new shape. Replacing the previous awards format, we're delighted to bring the sector together for a gathering and celebration of the people, organisations and ideas shaping new music in Scotland. 

This year's theme is environmental sustainability. We'll explore how the new music sector can reduce its own environmental impact, and how performance, sound and artistic practice can be used to engage audiences with the climate crisis. Expect guest speakers, panel discussion, hosted break-out groups, practical workshops and time to connect with peers from across the country.

Programme

A day of conversation, collaboration and creativity, exploring what a bold, fair and sustainable future for new music could look like.

Friday 28th August - The Boardwalk, 105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow, G1 1TF

12.00 - 17.00

The day will open with a panel discussion responding to a central provocation: What does the best case for new music look like ten years from now - bold work that engages with the climate, has a smaller environmental footprint, is fair in who gets to take part, and helps shape the wider conversation on climate? And what steps can we take now to get there?

(Panel speakers will be announced shortly)

From there, we'll break into small groups to unpack more individual responses to that question, before regrouping for an open discussion and Q&A where the room puts its thoughts and questions back to the panel.

A short session on creative access follows, looking at how the sector can promote genuine access for everyone.

The afternoon moves into themed discussions to dig deeper into more specific areas:

- Making music - how environmental themes can inform and inspire new work, and how that music can promote wider change

- Environmental impact - practical steps the sector can take around mitigation, adaptation and a just transition

- Institutional context - how funders and institutional structures are approaching supporting environmental work within the sector

A short break follows before an evening celebration:

18.30 - 21.00

Bar opens at 1830, and we gather at the boardwalk to see folk and catch up, before two participatory music making sessions:

Open Score with Simon Hellewell invites you to leave the conference behind for a while and explore a series of open score works by Scottish musicians. Participatory, text-prompted pieces designed for any instrument, open to anyone regardless of musical training. Bring an instrument if you have one; a few spares will be on hand.

We Are All Improvisers with Raymond MacDonald closes the evening with large-ensemble free improvisation, exploring the links between improvisation and composition. No previous experience needed, all instruments, voices and sound-makers welcome, with the focus firmly on engagement, fun and accessibility.

Saturday

10.30 - 12.00

On Saturday morning we'll gather in a more informal way - a chance to catch up with familiar faces, meet new ones, and carry on the conversations sparked the day before. 

(Venue for the Saturday morning gathering to be announced)

Membership

NMS membership starts at £10 a year for individuals, and unlocks the lowest ticket rates. Joining ahead of booking is the most affordable way to attend the full conference. Find out more here. 

Questions

If you’ve got any questions, please do drop us a line on info@newmusicscotland.co.uk