Krakow, Poland’s Unsound festival will take a break from its traditional programming schedule this year, shifting its focus from live performance to livestreams and talks: “A festival where the sound of music largely gives way to the sound of speaking and listening.” As a nod to said break, Unsound has named its 2020 edition Intermission, describing the theme as an embodiment of “multiple, and somehow contradictory, forces”. It’s another stark reminder of the current instability the music industry is currently experiencing in the face of Covid-19 and uncertainty over the longevity of social distancing measures.

Involving artists, musicians, writers, theorists, activists and scientists, subjects open for debate include: music under lockdown; pandemic and post-pandemic soundscapes; technologies of emergency; the environment; and new forms of power. Featuring presentations, performative lectures, interviews and discussions, the programme will be streamed live and archived online.

Music performance may still be included, but how and where will depend on changing measures and guidelines as the situation unfolds.

Also announced: a book related Intermission, containing essays, interviews and visual works; a compilation of tracks made by friends of Unsound; and an open call for online performances and lectures around this year's subject. Submission of up to 4000 characters should be sent to intermission@unsound.pl by 18 May.

Unsound 2020 will take place from 4–11 October.