Organizer Information
The Transatlantic Stars Project is a transatlantic cultural initiative presented by the Delegation of the European Union to the United States. The project uses artistic exchange to connect European and American creative communities. Its Music Program focuses on collaboration between EU and U.S. musicians, professional development, music-industry exchange, and the creation of new work. The 2027 edition is the second call of the Music Program.
Title & Description
Transatlantic Stars Music Program 2027
The Transatlantic Stars Music Program 2027 invites mid-career EU songwriters and performers to participate in a two-week immersion in the U.S. music ecosystem in May–June 2027. Five EU artists will be selected to collaborate with American musicians, co-write and perform new music, and develop transatlantic professional connections.
The program begins in Cleveland, Ohio, where participants will engage in collaborative songwriting and performances, music-business training covering areas such as rights management and touring, meetings with industry professionals, educational visits to museums, studios and music businesses, community activities, and structured networking. The program includes a Cleveland reception and showcase before concluding in Washington, D.C. with a public artist summit involving participants from the project's music, visual arts and film strands.
Categories
- Music
- Songwriting
- Performance
- Music Business
- Collaborative Arts
Eligibility
- Citizens of an EU Member State holding a valid EU passport; citizens of EU candidate countries are not eligible.
- U.S. citizens residing in one of the specified Ohio counties: Ashland, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, or Wayne.
- Mid-career songwriters and performers with demonstrated professional achievement.
- Applicants who performed at a qualifying EU music festival or major event during 2024, 2025, or 2026, or an equivalent event for eligible U.S. applicants.
- Applicants with at least three of the published achievement criteria, including critical acclaim, industry awards, media coverage, audience reception, notable collaborations, cultural impact, five or more years of professional experience, or a substantial body of released work.
- Applicants with English proficiency, no criminal record, and availability for the program period.
Applicants must participate individually; managers or accompanying collaborators cannot attend.
Program Benefits & Awards
Five EU artists will be selected. Each selected participant receives:
- International and domestic travel
- Visa assistance
- Accommodation
- Meals throughout the program
- Collaborative songwriting and performance opportunities
- Music-business training
- Meetings with agents, promoters, producers and other professionals
- Educational visits and community-engagement activities
- Structured networking
- Performance opportunities in Cleveland
- Participation in the public artist summit in Washington, D.C.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 October 2026
- Program Period: Mid-May to early June 2027
- Program Duration: Approximately two weeks
- Applications: Capped at 300
- Selection: Eligible applications are shortlisted and reviewed by a European-American jury; shortlisted applicants are interviewed before final selection.
Location
Cleveland, Ohio, with the program culminating in Washington, D.C., United States
Additional Details
Artists do not need to perform or write primarily in English, but must be comfortable communicating in English because of the intensive collaboration with U.S. musicians. The program is specifically designed for mid-career artists, rather than musicians just beginning their professional careers. All applicants will be notified about the outcome, and shortlisted candidates will participate in an interview. The organizers state that selection will use a standardized evaluation process, independent reviewers, conflict-of-interest checks, and a jury comprising European and American music professionals.