C2C CURATORS

C2C Curators stems from the desire to transform the festival’s cultural legacy into a structured process of transmission, exchange and growth — a legacy made not only of artistic programming, but also of practices, visions, working methods, relationships and the capacity to navigate the present through risk-taking, experimentation and openness to the unknown. It is a situated body of knowledge, developed over twenty-five years of activity, which is now intended to be made accessible, shareable and generative, placed at the service of new professional and cultural trajectories.

The programme includes a series of in-depth workshops, led by national and international leading professionals, alongside full access to the festival and its behind-the-scenes. Participation is free of charge and includes one night of accommodation for all selected curators. Additionally, within the framework of TMLAB, one of the selected curators will receive financial and technical support for an extended mentorship programme with the festival team, culminating in the curation of a showcase presented during the festival.

The selected curators for this year will receive:
—access to C2C Festival 2026;
—exclusive access to production areas with technical teams;
—entry to a dedicated series of workshops, as part of C2C Talks at Teatro Regio on Friday, 30 October;
—one night of accommodation during C2C Festival 2026 at the festival’s official headquarters at Combo Torino.

Within the context of TMLAB, one applicant will receive the following, in addition to the above:
—hybrid mentorship programme starting in July with the festival team, covering key curatorial methodologies, audience engagement strategies and cultural production insights. The curator’s engagement will last at least 6 months, including project development, artist contact, meetings, and shadowing. Regular 1-1 meetings to track progress.
—the chance to curate a showcase to be presented at C2C Festival 2026, featuring at least three emerging national talents
—curator contribution: €3,000, travel, accommodation and per diem (up to 3 days) during C2C Festival 2026

The project is dedicated to Sergio Ricciardone, founder of the festival and a key figure in redefining the role of contemporary music promoter. His vision transformed the festival into a dynamic cultural platform—rooted in experimentation, community and new relationships between culture, enterprise, and audiences. C2C Curators builds on this legacy and it is conceived as a generative framework: a space in which Sergio’s perspective, methods and approach can continue to evolve through the formation of a new generation of cultural practitioners.

HOW TO APPLY

• Eligibility

—Open to music curators based in Italy, regardless of nationality;
—Open to under 35 music curators; younger candidates and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds will be prioritized;
—Individuals and collectives may apply (if applying as a collective, a lead applicant must be designated);
—Applicants must be available remotely from July onwards and in person during the festival dates (29 October – 1 November). Full availability will be required for the selected curator undertaking the extended mentorship within TMLAB.

• Application Process

—Deadline: Applications are now closed.
The successful applicants will be notified by end June 2026.

—To Apply: Submit your proposal to curators@clubtoclub.it, using the subject line C2C_Curators_Name_Surname. The proposal must include:
1. Personal details (name, contact info, nationality, etc.);
2. Brief biography and previous curatorial works (max 1,000 characters). Please describe up to three events, projects or other relevant work that showcase your curatorial experience. If available, feel free to include links;
3. Motivation Letter explaining interest in the project and intended professional growth and reflecting on their understanding of the festival as a space for experimentation and cultural production.

This call aims to support underrepresented curators. If you feel comfortable, you’re invited to share how your background, experiences or perspective resonate with this mission in your Motivation Letter.

*Incomplete or over-length applications will not be considered.

The successful applicant will be notified by early July 2026.

The selection will prioritise curators from underrepresented backgrounds that reflect the vision of C2C Festival and are aligned with the ethical, critical, and inclusive values promoted by TMLAB.

• TMLAB’s selected curator’s responsibilities
—Deliver a public showcase with 3 national emerging artists during C2C Festival 2026;
—Provide a final report on the experience and project outcomes;
—Write a thematic essay on the local underground scene (minimum of 3 pages);
—Acknowledge TMLAB, Situazione Xplosiva APS, and the European Commission in all public communications and materials related to the project.

ABOUT TMLAB
TMLAB is a European project aimed at supporting and empowering emerging artists from underrepresented communities across Europe. Spanning cities like Athens, Turin, Madrid, Lyon, and Brussels, it focuses on providing opportunities for artists and curators from diverse backgrounds to grow and develop their careers. The project encourages reclaiming narratives and challenging historical structures in the music industry. Through live events, tours, and radio shows, TMLAB showcases the ever-evolving music scenes across Europe, while also challenging existing inequalities in the music landscape. 

Key partners include Stegi Radio (Greece), Situazione Xplosiva/C2C Festival (Italy), Kiosk Radio (Belgium), Arty Farty (France) and La Casa Encendida (Spain). TMLAB is co-funded by the European Union.