Armenian creative hub hosq will host the second edition of Notations this summer, bringing together 65 artists, musicians, performers, media makers, and researchers for a 12-day interdisciplinary laboratory followed by a public festival in Yerevan.
Notations Lab 2026 will take place from July 20–31 under the theme “Rituals.” The program will explore ritual as a framework for artistic experimentation, collective engagement, and the development of new creative practices. Participants from a range of disciplines will collaborate through workshops, lectures, performances, and research-based activities.
The laboratory will conclude with the Notations Festival, scheduled for August 1–2. The festival will present newly developed works through concerts, installations, performances, and interdisciplinary projects at the Armenian State Philharmonia and the National Gallery of Armenia.
Created and curated by hosq, an international cultural platform based in Armenia, Notations aims to strengthen connections between local, regional, and international practitioners while supporting new forms of artistic collaboration.
The 2026 curatorial team includes Arman Peshtmaljyan, whose work with the Armenian Navy Band received the BBC Radio 3 Award for World Music 2006; Ben Wheeler, co-founder of the Mountains of Tongues label; producer and multi-instrumentalist Hayk Karoyi; and performance artist Venera Kazarova.
According to the 2024 State of Armenia’s Cultural and Creative Ecosystem report by the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenia’s creative industries account for 4.4% of national GDP, with the sector nearly doubling in value since 2014. Organizers view Yerevan’s expanding cultural landscape as a key factor behind the project’s international appeal.
Applications for Notations Lab 2026 remain open through June 1. Artists and researchers with at least five years of professional experience in music, sound, visual arts, performance, movement, media, somatic practices, or related fields are eligible to apply. No institutional affiliation is required. Hosq will cover participation costs, accommodation, and meals for selected participants.
Of the 65 participants, approximately 70% will come from Armenia and neighboring countries, including Georgia, while 30% of places will be reserved for international applicants.
The laboratory program will feature collaborative sessions, artist talks, workshops, a field trip, and the return of its daily collective rave, a feature introduced during the inaugural edition in 2025.
Last year’s Notations brought together 60 artists and 22 curators from nine countries. Inspired by Avet Terterian’s Symphony No. 3, the project generated 37 new artistic works, along with a documentary film, a vinyl release, and six digital releases. More than 1,000 visitors attended the concluding festival at the Armenian State Philharmonia.
Key Dates
- Notations Lab 2026: July 20–31, 2026
- Notations Festival: August 1–2, 2026
- Location: Yerevan, Armenia
- Applications: Open through June 1, 2026
- Information and Applications: hosq Notations Open Call
- Website: hosq
Author: World Music Central News Room
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