A new cross-border initiative dedicated to musical groups from Friuli Venezia Giulia and Slovenia is about to get underway. Introducing Openwave Music Contest: a music competition created, promoted, and aimed at young people, with a “borderless” approach. The final stage will take place on Transalpina/ Europe Square during the now traditional Borderless Beer Fest, which this year will be held between Gorizia and Nova Gorica on August 28 and 29.

Promoted by the EGTC GO with organizational support from Openwave and Birrificio Antica Contea, the competition aims to select six young music groups from Italy and Slovenia, who will be invited to perform during the Borderless Beer Fest. After an initial evaluation of applications, which must be submitted by June 30, two live selection events will be organized between July 15 and August 15 (one in Friuli Venezia Giulia and one in Slovenia). During these events, a jury will select the six winning bands (three bands from Friuli Venezia Giulia and three from Slovenia), who will perform at the end of August.

The Openwave project (Instagram profile: @openwave.project) is taking shape thanks to a group of young promoters spread across the province of Udine, the province of Gorizia, and eastern Veneto. It is a community born from personal relationships and shared passions, with the ambition of expanding into an open and inclusive network.

The competition is open to emerging bands made up of young people aged between 16 and 30 (the average age of the group will be taken into consideration), with a maximum of six members per group. All musical genres and all languages are accepted, and participants may submit either original songs or reinterpretations. Participation in the contest is free and takes place exclusively by completing the dedicated online form. Candidate bands must submit a brief presentation of their musical project, links to their digital channels, and two videos representing their repertoire, along with the required documentation.

The finalists will perform during the Borderless Beer Fest with sets lasting approximately 30 minutes and will have access to a complete professional technical setup, including a stage, sound system, lighting, and specialized technical staff.

The competition follows in the steps and the values promoted by GO! 2025 – European Capital of Culture Nova Gorica-Gorizia, concretely promoting the values of cross-border cooperation, intercultural dialogue, and the active participation of younger generations.

To view the rules and all competition documents, visit:
https://www.openwaveproject.it/contest/regolamento/