Application Deadline: 30 July 2025
Date of the retreat: 12 – 16 October 2025
Retreat location: Wadi Feynan Ecolodge - Jordan
THE ECCO and the Goethe-Institut will bring together a curated group of people to create audio pieces that are playful and challenging at the same time. The entire program lasts several months. At the heart of it is a retreat in the desert of Jordan, far away from the busy and distracting city life to workshop ideas, inspire and connect with each other
The moment has arrived! We’re thrilled to launch a new round of THE ECCO, and this time, it’s something truly unique. In partnership with the Goethe-Institut Jordan, we’re putting together our very first pan-Arab cohort. This exciting new chapter is the result of a collaboration between THE ECCO and the Goethe-Institut Jordan, with the retreat set to take place in Jordan. We couldn’t be more excited!
What is THE ECCO?
THE ECCO is an international initiative that brings together audio creators around the world, connects them to their own creative communities and invites them to “play” and challenge themselves to make something they might be a little bit afraid of. For once, they don’t have to pitch or sell their ideas. But instead, they will get the best support to make short audio pieces (up to 7 minutes) in collaboration with others to create pieces.
For more information, visit
THE ECCO – initiative for audio creators
Who is the Goethe-Institut Jordan?
The Goethe-Institut is the globally active cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany. It promotes knowledge of the German language abroad and fosters international cultural co-operation, and understanding between Germany, Europe, and the world.
For more information, visit
our website.
Concept
What makes THE ECCO programme truly special is its distinctive spirit: the retreats that are part of the programme are self-organized (meaning we design our own itinerary depending on our needs and curiosities, yes, really!), and creatively resourceful (that’s where the magic happens). Each retreat is a collaborative effort, brought to life by the ECCO team and the cohort (a group of people who share something in common) of chosen participants.
Now, for the first time ever, this one-of-a-kind experience is being made possible through the generous support of a remarkable partner: the Goethe-Institut. Their sponsorship ensures that this edition of THE ECCO will not only take place but will do so with full funding and renewed energy.
Who can apply?
- Based in the MENA region, with a strong preference for audio creators interested in producing work in languages other than English
- From all backgrounds, we strongly encourage individuals of all ethnicities and social classes to apply
- Not beginners, you should have created at least one or two audio pieces before that are not purely conversational.
- Not necessarily professional audio creators, you might be a journalist, chef, musician, sculptor, driver, or anything else, as long as you have basic experience with audio editing and can navigate a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
- Comfortable with audio production tools, you should be able to edit audio, work with multitrack sequences, and sync audio to music (it doesn’t have to be perfect!)
- Equipped to produce, you must have access to your own recording equipment (recorder, microphones, editing software, etc.)
- Committed to the process, you can dedicate time and energy over a period of about six months to produce an audio piece up to 7 minutes long
- Open to collaboration, you enjoy both giving and receiving constructive feedback.
- Community-minded, you’re happy to share your skills, contacts, and support with fellow participants
- Eager to learn, you’re curious and open to picking up new techniques, even in areas where you already have experience
- Looking to connect, you’re excited to meet fellow audio creatives and become part of a supportive, pan-Arab cohort
Honorarium
Please note that this is an unpaid opportunity, meaning the time you invest in creating your piece will not be compensated for. However, the Goethe-Institut will offer a symbolic honorarium of EUR 100 for each final piece that meets our quality standards.
Application
Please use this
link to submit your application.
