Perform Europe Funding for Performing Arts Partnerships 2026
Applications are now open for the Perform Europe Open Call, offering funding to support international performing arts partnerships across the 41 Creative Europe countries. The programme aims to encourage innovative collaborations that promote sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible touring in the performing arts sector.
With a total funding budget of €1.4 million, Perform Europe will support at least 25 partnerships involving artists, cultural organizations, producers, presenters, and performing arts professionals. The programme seeks projects that strengthen international cooperation while making artistic work more accessible, diverse, and climate-conscious.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Region: Creative Europe Countries
- Programme Name: Perform Europe Open Call
- Funding Type: Grant
- Total Funding Available: €1.4 Million
- Maximum Grant per Partnership: €60,000
- Eligible Applicants: Performing Arts Organizations and Professionals
- Eligible Nationality: Applicants from Creative Europe Countries
- Application Deadline: October 22, 2026
Degree Level
This is not an academic scholarship and has no degree level requirement. It is a professional funding programme for organizations and individuals working in the performing arts sector.
Available Subjects
Applications are invited from projects related to:
- Theatre
- Dance
- Circus
- Puppetry
- Outdoor Arts
- Performance Art
- Interdisciplinary Performing Arts
Note: Live music and opera projects are not eligible under this funding call.
Benefits
Selected partnerships may receive:
- Small Grant: €15,000
- Medium Grant: €25,000
- Large Grant: €55,000
- Additional sustainability and accessibility funding of up to €5,000
- Maximum funding of €60,000 per partnership
- Opportunity to present artistic work across multiple European countries
- International networking and collaboration opportunities
- Support for sustainable and inclusive cultural projects
Eligible Nationalities
The programme is open to:
- Organizations and professionals legally established in one of the 41 Creative Europe participating countries.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be legally based in a Creative Europe participating country.
- Apply as a partnership rather than as an individual applicant.
- Represent the performing arts sector.
- Submit a proposal involving at least one completed artistic work or performance-ready concept.
- Present the project in at least three different Creative Europe countries.
- Demonstrate commitment to inclusion, diversity, sustainability, and fair working practices.
- Focus primarily on either:
- Inclusion and Diversity, or
- Climate Action
Application Procedure
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Completed application form
- Partnership information
- Project proposal
- Budget plan
- Project timeline
- Details of participating organizations
- Supporting documents requested by Perform Europe
Application Process
To apply for the Perform Europe Open Call:
- Review the official programme guidelines.
- Build an eligible international partnership.
- Prepare your project proposal and budget.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Why Apply for Perform Europe Funding?
Perform Europe provides an outstanding opportunity for performing arts professionals to expand their work across international borders while promoting sustainability, diversity, and innovation. The programme encourages meaningful cultural exchange and supports projects that rethink traditional touring models through collaborative partnerships across Europe.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: October 22, 2026
- Selected Partnerships Announced: January 2027
- Project Start Date: March 1, 2027
- Project Completion Date: January 31, 2028
