AI is now ubiquitous across many creative domains, including music making. In an era of transformation, artists who wish to push boundaries and explore these tools must think outside of the box and engage critically with the implications surrounding their use. Important questions concerning data governance, transparency of processes, human-centric creativity, and the empowerment that comes with custom-made software and hardware, cannot and must not be ignored. 

What new possibilities for human-AI co-creativity do these tools offer?

How might entangled collaborative practices of human-AI agencies challenge and expand this emerging field?  

Think you can help answer these questions?

Then we want to read your application for the 2026 edition of the AI Performance Playground, which returns to Sónar+D as part of this year’s AI & Music powered by S+T+ARTS programme, with support from La Salle-URL. Across three days,our collaborative hacklab will bring together different selected participants from different backgrounds to explore AI and machine learning tools for performance.

Between 17th and 19th of June, as part of Sónar+D 2026 in Barcelona, selected participants will take part in three intensive collaborative sessions, first at La Salle-URL’s IASLab; and then at Sónar+D in Llotja de Mar. It all takes place under the watchful eyes and careful tutelage of experimental music producer/researcher Anna Xambó and renowned music producer/sound designer Ben Cantil, who’ll help you prepare a final collaborative performance that will be open to all Sónar+D attendees.

Worried, you’re not qualified? Don’t be. We want to have a diverse range of participants from different backgrounds. You might be an experienced AI coder or researcher, or you might be an electronic musician, instrumentalist, or singer with little working knowledge of AI. 

What is important is your mindset: we want open-minded, critical thinkers who relish the opportunity to combine their skills and make unexpected new things. Please remember when applying that this is a collaborative workshop, with a focus on experimentation and sharing. You won’t be working on individual or existing projects, but instead creating something entirely new with the rest of the group.

You’ll also have the opportunity to experience plenty of Sónar+D and Sónar, with one of the world’s most forward-thinking music festivals serving as the perfect inspiration and backdrop for the three sessions.

You’ll need to be in Barcelona between 17th and 19th June, as there’ll be sessions on all three days, followed by a short ensemble performance on the final day. In order to make the most of the three sessions, some limited coordination and exchange will be necessary before the event: this will be organised virtually via a dedicated Discord server.

The deadline for applications is midnight (CEST) on Sunday 29th March. You can read the full guidelines and submit your application here. All applications will be reviewed personally and individually by Anna and Ben, with selected participants notified by mid-April. 

We’re looking forward to reading your applications!