Community Music Conference

Wed 27.08. – Fr 29.08.2025

From 27 to 29 August 2025, the Konzerthaus Dortmund, in cooperation with the Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the Community Music Network Germany and the Paper Lantern Collective, is hosting a three-day international conference on the topic of community music. In workshops, panel discussions and presentations, its potential and relevance for society and cultural institutions will be discussed from a national and international perspective.

Three days of inspirational keynote presentations from international community music leaders, panel discussions, presentations, practical workshops, and musical sharings, that will allow participants to explore new ways of developing their practice and implementing change. The conference invites all leaders, academics, and practitioners from across the community arts, music education, social work, cultural funding, institution, policy, and wider German music sectors to come together and to collectively develop a shared vision for the next chapter of community music in Germany.

Konzerthaus Dortmund
© Oliver Hitzegrad

Call for papers & Community project presentations

Open call

We invite community musicians and organisations to present their projects, share their learning experiences and resources / music. We look forward to receiving submissions from which the planning team will put together a diverse programme that is relevant to as many conference participants as possible.

  • Programme

    Confirmed speakers and practitioners include: 

    • former artistic director of Slung Low and inspirational maker of epic-community theater and opera-productions, Alan Lane (UK).
    • Sue Gill (UK), co-founder of the celebratory arts company Welfare State International (1968), author, performer, singer, truck driver, cook and workshop leader, who worked in celebratory theatre in diverse communities for most of her life.
    • Secular celebrant promoting artistry and creativity in ceremony, formerly of Welfare State International, Gilly Adams (UK).
    • Prof. Dr. Te Oti Rakena (NZ), author, performer, and award-winning community music researcher aimed at improving the quality of education for indigenous Māori and Pacific Island students and those from lower economic areas.
    • Associate musician of Drake Music and expert international community music practitioner specialising in work with young people with additional learning and access needs, Ben Sellers (UK).
    • Secretary General of the German Music Council, Antje Valentin (DE).
    • Lee Higgins (UK), Director and Professor at the International Centre of Community Music in York, St. John University

    And many many more to be announced…

  • Language

    The conference will be held in German. English discussions and contributions will be simultaneously translated.

  • Costs

    The conference is free of charge!

  • Filmlänge
  • 2:20 Minuten

What does a community musician actually do at the Konzerthaus Dortmund?

»Our aim is to welcome everyone, to make music with everyone, to bring people together through music.« Our Community Music team works from the Brückviertel neighbourhood into the Nordstadt district and throughout the city. The approach is still quite new in Germany and our team is the first department to be affiliated with a concert hall.