Musical Notes & Sound Money
FOM 2026 OPEN CALL!
ACCEPTING ENTRIES NOW!!!
Don’t let “what is” dictate “what could be”!
CALLING ALL CREATIVES! The future of music & money needs you!
THE BRIEF:
Money and music (and, in fact, all creative endeavours) have always had an uneasy relationship. Music is profoundly human—it likely existed even before the rise of civilisation—and it runs deep in our collective unconscious. It is complex, emotive, irrational, and intrinsically linked to our sense of being and meaning-making.
Money, too, has a long history. It helped build civilisations, and in its contemporary form it is rational, functional, practical, and pragmatic. The motivations behind music and money often stand in stark contrast. We all need music (and creativity) to live—and money to survive.
Can this relationship be reinvented?
Buskers play for a peppercorn offering in coins and a transient audience. Youth orchestras often operate through a gift economy—people devoted to music and expression. Oasis claimed they were the last rock band for the masses (oh dear). David Bowie predicted music would become like turning on a tap—and he created the infamous “Bowie Bonds”.
The truth is: money and music are both here to stay.
But can they play harmoniously together?
We challenge you to explore and create from the relationship between money and music.
The Brixton Pound featuring David Bowie.
2011 Shortlisted - The Unaccounted by E.P.Montgomery
Ask yourself… what if!
What if music became money?
What if musicians owned platforms?
What if people were paid to listen to new music (like taste-testers for food)?
What if musical instruments only played when money was inserted?
What if buskers could play through your headphones as you walked by?
What if buskers had their own micro radio stations?
What if youth orchestras were nationally funded as part of the health service?
Don’t let “what is” dictate “what could be”!
WHO CAN ENTER:
Designers, Artists, Musicians, Creative Economists, Financial troublemakers, Speculative Designers, Critical Designers, Students, Professionals and the retired. Concepts need to be communicated effectively in a visually engaging way (if shortlisted). Hence, if you don’t have skills in visualisation, but have a great idea, perhaps befriend someone who can help? If you are a brilliant social scientist with an innovative approach, perhaps join forces with a designer or artist? (Just a thought).
SUBMISSIONS:
The competition will run in two phases.
FIRST PHASE – Initial Idea
Please submit an overview of your concept (ideally with illustrations) as a PDF. Maximum 3 pages communicating the concept and examples of previous work (website or PDF).
Deadline for submission 6th March 2026
Send entries to:
(Please do not enter if you believe you can monetise your concept, we are looking for insights and inspiring ideas, not patentable tech)
SECOND PHASE – Exhibition
10 to 12 entries will be selected, and their concepts will be exhibited at Pay360 event in London - https://pay360event.com/ . Taking place on the 26th March 2026. 3 selected finalists will receive an award and prize.
PRIZES
Several non-cash prizes, travel expenses to London for finalists, an opportunity to present to financial and payment industry experts, projects achieved on the FOM award website and a physical award (to put on the shelf).
1950’s Harpist Busking in London