Organizer Information
The European Union (EU) Delegation to the United States, based in Washington, D.C., is the primary organizer. The Transatlantic Rising Stars Project (TRSP) is a flagship three-year cultural diplomacy initiative funded by the European Union. Its mission is to strengthen transatlantic ties by connecting European artists with American peers, industry leaders, and local communities. By leveraging the "soft power" of the arts, the EU aims to foster mutual understanding, promote European values, and create long-term professional networks between the EU and the U.S.
Title & Description
Transatlantic Rising Stars Project: Music Program 2026
This program is a high-impact, two-week immersion into the American music ecosystem designed for mid-career songwriters and performers. Selected artists will travel to the United States to collaborate with American musicians, write new material, and gain direct insight into the U.S. music industry. The program begins in Philadelphia, in partnership with the Philadelphia Music Alliance, focusing on collaborative songwriting workshops and studio sessions. It concludes with live performances and networking in the local community. The project aims to give European talent the tools to build audiences in the U.S. and navigate the American commercial landscape.
Categories
- Music: Specifically for Songwriters and Performers.
- Note: The call focuses on original contemporary music capable of transatlantic appeal.
Eligibility
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of one of the 27 EU Member States with a valid passport. (Note: Citizens of EU candidate countries are not eligible).
- Career Level: Mid-career professional songwriters/performers with at least five years of active professional work in music.
- Track Record: Must have performed at a qualifying music festival or major EU event within the past three years and have a substantial body of work (albums or released songs).
- Specific Criteria: Applicants must meet at least 3 of the following: critical acclaim, industry awards, media coverage, significant audience reception (streaming/ticket sales), or high-level collaborations.
- Language: High proficiency in English (spoken and written).
Program Benefits & Awards
- Fully Funded: All core costs are covered, including international and domestic airfare.
- Stipends: Selected artists receive a living stipend for the duration of the program.
- Logistics: Visa assistance, luxury or curated accommodation, and meals are provided.
- Professional Access: Mentorship from industry experts, studio recording time, and structured networking with U.S. producers, managers, and labels.
- Visibility: Live performance opportunities in the U.S. and digital promotion through EU Delegation channels.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Artist Biography: A professional summary of your career.
- Publicity Materials: High-resolution, headshots and images (copyright-free).
- Work Samples: Links to live performances and studio recordings.
- Narrative Questions: Responses to specific questions about your motivation and how this program fits your current career trajectory.
- Verification: Proof of no criminal background and a valid EU passport.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 21 January 2026
- Selection Announcement: Expected Late Spring 2026.
- Program Period: Mid-May – Early June 2026 (approx. 2 weeks).
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Additional Details
The Music strand is one of three parts of the TRSP (the others being Film and Visual Arts). Participants will join an elite cohort of European "Rising Stars" and will become part of a permanent alumni network designed to sustain transatlantic professional relationships long after the program ends.