The International Sound Awards (ISA) is a global competition that celebrates innovative, intelligent, and useful sound and music projects. With the motto “Make the world sound better,” ISA recognizes outstanding work in sound design, music technology, acoustic solutions, and audio experiences. Awards are given in three tiers: Better Sound, Winner, and Grand Prix. Open to individuals, companies, and organizations, the competition encourages creative approaches that improve how we experience sound in daily life.
The Berlin International Film Scoring Competition (BIFSC) is an annual global contest that offers emerging composers the opportunity to showcase their talent in film scoring. Participants are given a short film and optional sound design stems, and are tasked with creating an original score that enhances the visual storytelling. The competition is judged by a panel of industry professionals, and finalists receive international recognition and career development opportunities.
The Universal Stars Music Competition is a global online event that welcomes musicians of all ages and disciplines—including instrumentalists, vocalists, composers, conductors, and ensembles. Participants submit video or audio recordings across a wide range of categories, from classical to contemporary styles. The competition offers multiple age divisions and genre-specific categories, providing a platform for artists to showcase their talent and gain international recognition.
The Ars Electronica Festival is an annual international event held in Linz, Austria, dedicated to exploring the intersections of art, technology, and society. Since its inception in 1979, the festival has become a leading platform for media arts, featuring exhibitions, performances, and discussions that address contemporary issues through innovative artistic expressions. Each year, the festival presents a unique theme, inviting artists, scientists, and technologists from around the world to contribute their perspectives and works.
The Lumen Prize is an international award celebrating art created with technology. Established in 2012, it recognizes outstanding works across various categories, including digital imagery, animation, AI-generated art, immersive experiences, and interactive installations. The competition offers a total prize fund of $30,000, with a $12,000 Gold Award and nine category awards of $2,000 each. Finalists gain global exposure through exhibitions, commissions, and events organized by Lumen Art Projects. The 2025 call for entries is open until May 24, inviting submissions from artists worldwide.
Sónar is an annual international festival held in Barcelona, Spain, celebrating the intersection of music, creativity, and technology. Established in 1994, it features a diverse lineup of electronic and experimental music performances, alongside Sónar+D—a congress dedicated to exploring the future of creative industries through talks, exhibitions, and workshops. The festival is divided into Sónar by Day and Sónar by Night, offering a comprehensive cultural experience that attracts artists, technologists, and audiences from around the world.
60 Secondes Radio is an international radio art competition and broadcast platform that invites artists, sound designers, and radio creators worldwide to submit original audio works lasting exactly 60 seconds. Launched annually on February 13th to coincide with UNESCO’s World Radio Day, the competition embraces an open theme, encouraging diverse formats such as radio art, soundscapes, radio theatre, sonic prose and poetry, and creative documentaries. Selected works are broadcast globally across FM, DAB, and online radio stations, as well as featured in public events and festivals. To date, over 1,800 audio pieces from artists in 64 countries and more than 30 languages have been showcased.