System Flow

What influences the way you create, perform and interact with sound and music technology?

Designed and led by sound artist Vicky Clarke, music makers and sound artists are invited to explore the role of systems, rituals and ways of thinking in their sonic practice. Taking place between July and September 2026, the commission will feature:

Group sessions in a studio
Guest workshops and talks
Trips to exhibitions and events to inform your work
A public-facing output that will be decided as a group

Apply by Monday 6 July, 11pm.

Who can apply

System Flow is open to music makers and sound artists who:

Are aged 18+
Are based in the UK
Actively work with sound, technology, electronics or experimental approaches to making music
Are confident exploring and experimenting with their sound in a group setting

We welcome applications from artists at different stages of experience, including those looking to expand how technology features in their practice. No prior knowledge of neuroscience or systems theory is required. Curiosity, experimentation and a willingness to reflect on your practice are what matter most.

To support the Northern music scene, we'll prioritise applications from people in the North of England (North East, North West and Yorkshire regions). However we’re open to hearing from people across the UK.

Got questions?

Get in touch with us by emailing [email protected].

“Over the past few years I have become increasingly aware of the systems that shape my own practice; and what I call ‘techno-emotional states’ during creative flow. This commission invites artists to explore the emotional, neurological and social dimensions of music making and creativity. Together we’ll consider systems of power and influence, engage with alternative ways of working, and imagine new collective approaches to sound and technology.”

Vicky Clarke

Working together as a small group, you will:
Reflect on your current practices, rituals and peculiarities that get you in the zone to create
Take part in music making sessions and workshops with guests, including sonic artists and technologists, and neuroscientists
Explore different approaches to creativity, technology and collaboration using examples from sound, art and computational history
Explore the relationships between emotion, technology and creativity to develop new approaches to soundmaking
Work individually to create new work with technology, reflecting on and documenting your journey as you experiment and explore
Showcase your work, be it a live performance, online resource, workshop or something else
Receive a fee of £1500 each
Sessions will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays on the following dates:
22, 23 July
5, 6, 19, 20 August
2, 3 September
We'll confirm exact timings as the dates draw nearer. In the meantime, please aim to keep as much of the working day free as possible e.g. 10am-5pm.
Most sessions will take place in Manchester, with the possibility of a few trips to other locations.
The project is free to attend. To help you take part we’ll cover:
Travel and accommodation costs
Access costs - for things like disability support, translation or childcare
Bursaries are also available to people who:
Need to take unpaid leave from work to take part
Work in a freelance capacity and will have to turn down work to take part
Are in low income employment
Receive Universal Credit, or another job allowance, as their main income
As Brighter Sound isn’t an educational establishment, or an authorised provider of non-taxable bursaries, all bursary income is taxable, and should be recorded and reported to HMRC in the normal way. If you’re already registered as self-employed, income should be included with your records. If you’re not currently self-employed, details on how to register (and any other queries about reporting this income) can be found on the HMRC website.
If you’re not eligible for a bursary, we’ll provide you with £30 per day to cover expenses.
Please complete our application form by Monday 6 July, 11pm.
We encourage you to submit your application before the deadline but if you need a bit more time please let us know by Friday 3 July, 12pm.
You're welcome to apply with support from a personal assistant or carer. If there is anything we can do to help you to apply, please let us know.
In the form, we'll ask you the following questions:
What interests you about the themes of this commission?
How would you like to approach the themes of the commission in this new work?
How would this commission help you to develop creatively and professionally?
You can answer these questions in writing, or you can record yourself. If you do this, you'll just need to include links to your video or audio recordings. Have a read of our Top Tips for Applicants for more information on how to answer these questions.
We aim to create spaces that are welcoming, engaging and supportive. Spaces where everyone is able to be themselves, and where abuse and discrimination are not tolerated.
Read our Safer Spaces Policy for more information.
Our approach to Safeguarding is the foundation of our Safer Spaces approach. By Safeguarding we mean the wellbeing, and protection from harm, abuse and mistreatment of anyone who benefits from our work, team members and others we come into contact with. Anyone who is part of our team has appropriate safeguarding knowledge and an understanding of how to deal with safeguarding issues should they arise.
Read our Safeguarding Policy for more information.