Open Call: Outer Ear Sessions Fall 2026 Cycle

The Outer Ear Sessions: Fall Cycle applications are open!

The Outer Ear Sessions at Experimental Sound Studio is a pilot program providing free recording studio access to Chicago-based artists each year for the next two years. Awarded sessions are 6 hours, with an option to add additional hours at a discounted rate. The juried program accepts artists from all genres and career stages who are working to push the boundaries of their practice, leveling the playing field for working Chicago artists city-wide.

ESS will award 20-25 sessions in 2026, organized across spring and fall application timelines. We are currently in the application period for the Fall Cycle:

June 1: Applications Open
July 1, midnight: Applications due
July 31: Award Notification
August 1-December 15, 2026: Sessions take place within this time period

Applicants that were not accepted in the first round are invited to reapply in the second round.

To preview the application, click here.

Please contact info@experimentalsoundstudio.org with any questions regarding the application.