News on RBMA 2011 from RedBullMusicAcademy.com. Denver, we’ll still be doing the mail in dinner this Sunday, 4/3, even though the postmark deadline has been extended to 4/26; so if your app is done and you’d like to come down, please e-mail Justin [at] RedBullMusicAcademy {dot} com to RSVP:

The Red Bull Music Academy 2011 will not be held in Tokyo. New location to be announced April 11.

We have been in close contact with our Japanese team and friends since the terrible earthquake and tsunami struck on March 11, and the severe problems at Fukushima nuclear plant began. After thorough evaluation, we decided to relocate this year’s edition of the Academy, which was set to take place in Japan this fall.

A new location for the Red Bull Music Academy 2011 will be announced as of Monday, April 11. As a consequence, we have decided to extend the application period: applications will now be accepted until April 26 (date of postmark).

The dates of the workshops, October 23 to November 25, will remain the same, as will the application form and jury process. All applicants will be notified by July, whether they have been accepted to join the Academy or not.

Throughout the past months of preparation for the Tokyo Academy, we have gotten to know Japan as a country immensely rich in spirit, beauty, tradition and innovative energy. We are honoured to have been introduced to so many interesting people and to have been allowed to experience some of their creative vision. We truly admire and respect their strength and courage in the face of this terrible situation.

We at the Academy also wish to show our solidarity and support for the Japanese music makers who have been part of our journey. Hence, the Red Bull Music Academy floor at SónarSound Tokyo this weekend will go ahead as planned. All profits from the festival will be donated in support to those affected by the horrific events of March 11 and their aftermaths.

We will continue to maintain strong links with the musical and creative scene in the country, and hope to bring the full Academy experience to Japan in the not too distant future.

Infos & FAQs

Red Bull Music Academy 2011
Workshop 1: October 23 – November 4, 2011
Workshop 2: November 13 – November 25, 2011
Announcement of new location: April 11
Application period extended – New deadline: April 26 (date of postmark)

Will the Red Bull Music Academy 2011 be postponed?
No, the dates of the actual event will remain as previously announced. It’s just the application period that has been extended by three weeks.

So, by when do I need to hand in my application?
All applications must be sent, i.e. postmarked April 26, 2011, or earlier. Please note that, despite the postponement, there is no need to send your application on the last day.

Will there be any changes to the selection process?
No, the procedure of picking our participants, as well as the rules and regulations for applying to the Academy will remain exactly the same.

Should I still reply to the Japan-related questions (44-48) in the application form, despite the fact that the Academy is not going to happen there this year?
Yes, the whole questionnaire needs to be filled in. We want every single applicant to face the same conditions and have the same fair chance to get in.

When will successful applicants be notified?
All applicants will be notified via email by July 15, whether they were successful or not.

Will the Academy happen in Tokyo next year?
We can’t say at this stage but as stated above, we do hope we will be able to bring the Academy to Tokyo in not so distant future.

Any more questions regarding the relocation and application process?
Please don’t hesitate to send an email anytime.