Organizer Information
Perform Europe is a European Union–supported funding initiative designed to transform cross-border touring in the performing arts sector. It operates across the 41 Creative Europe countries and focuses on building more sustainable, inclusive, and innovative models for international artistic collaboration.
The program has already run multiple successful editions and has become a key funding mechanism for performing arts professionals seeking to redesign how touring works across Europe. Its core mission is to address structural challenges in touring—such as environmental impact, accessibility barriers, and unequal cultural exchange—through collaborative, transnational projects.
Title & Description
Perform Europe Open Call – Funding for Cross-Border Performing Arts Collaboration 2026
This open call supports collaborative partnerships in the Performing Arts sector to develop and implement innovative cross-border touring models. Selected projects will rethink how performing arts are shared across Europe with a strong focus on fairness, sustainability, and inclusion.
The program funds partnerships that propose touring strategies for existing works (or ready-made artistic concepts), encouraging organizations to collaborate across at least three Creative Europe countries. Each project must address one of two core priorities:
- Inclusion & Diversity
- Fight Against Climate Change
While one priority must be selected as the main focus, all projects are expected to integrate both principles into their methodology.
The initiative aims to reshape the touring ecosystem by supporting experimental, scalable, and socially responsible models of artistic mobility.
Categories
- Performing Arts
- Theatre
- Dance
- Performance
- Circus
- Outdoor Arts
- Puppetry
- Interdisciplinary Arts
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Open to organizations and professionals working in the Performing Arts sector
- Legally based in one of the 41 Creative Europe countries (EU + participating non-EU countries)
- Applications must be submitted by partnerships (not individuals)
- Each partnership must include:
- Minimum 3 partners
- From at least 3 different eligible countries
- Projects must include at least one existing performance work (not a new creation)
- The work must be presented in at least 3 Creative Europe countries
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected partnerships receive funding distributed across three grant tiers:
- €15,000 (small grant)
- €25,000 (medium grant)
- €55,000 (large grant)
Additional support:
- Up to €5,000 in top-up funding for sustainability and accessibility needs
- Total maximum funding per project: €60,000
- Dedicated allocation: 5% of total funding reserved for Ukrainian-related initiatives
The program supports:
- Cross-border touring implementation
- Sustainable touring models
- Inclusive and accessible artistic distribution
- Strategic European partnerships
- Visibility across multiple countries
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Project description outlining touring strategy
- Identification of at least 3 partner organizations
- Proof of eligibility (based in Creative Europe countries)
- Selection of one main priority (Inclusion & Diversity or Climate Action)
- Touring plan across at least 3 countries
- Documentation of existing performance work
- Budget plan including grant category and optional top-ups
- Collaborative agreement between partners
Additional materials may include:
- Organizational profiles
- Artistic documentation of the selected work
- Sustainability and accessibility strategy
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 22 October 2026
- Results Announcement: January 2027
- Project Start: 1 March 2027
- Project End: 31 January 2028
Location
Europe
Additional Details
- Projects must focus on existing performances (no production funding for new works)
- Strong emphasis on fair touring practices and environmental responsibility
- Applicants are encouraged to use matchmaking tools to form partnerships
- Helpdesk sessions and information events are available during the open call period
- Evaluation prioritizes innovation, inclusivity, sustainability, and cross-border impact