A young woman wearing a white apron covered in paint splatters looking at a selection of art works laid out on a large table in an artist’s studio

On this page you will find a selection of useful sites for UK arts professionals, organisations and initiatives looking to connect with or work in an EU country.

Creative Europe

  • Creative Europe is the European Union’s programme to support the cultural, creative and audiovisual sectors.
  • The UK participated in the Creative Europe programme from 2014–20, during which time the British Council led the Creative Europe Desk UK in partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI). You can visit the Creative Europe Desk UK YouTube channel for past events.
  • UK organisations are currently not able to take part in the Creative Europe sub-programme’s Co-operation Projects as a Third Country Participant. For more information, please see the Creative Europe Desk UK information on Third Country Participation.
  • UK Creative Europe funding recipients from the 2014–20 programme can also join the Creative Europe UK Culture Beneficiaries Facebook group.

Grants, funding and opportunities

  • Perform Europe supports activities that aim to make international performing arts touring more sustainable and inclusive. It is funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme. As the project was approved within the 2014–20 funding cycle, UK organisations can still apply. The first deadline for touring and distribution grants was released in June 2021.
  • i-Portunus supports the mobility of artists, creators and cultural professionals in Creative Europe countries, which includes the UK as the funding for the project was confirmed before 1 January 2021.
  • Arts Council England’s Funding page lists all grant and funding calls open to a full range of England-based artistic professionals and initiatives.
  • Wales Arts International’s Funding page publishes information on the organisation’s grants and funds to support artists and arts organisations to build international connections for and with Wales.
  • Creative Scotland’s Funding programmes support organisations and individuals across Scotland.
  • The Arts Council of Northern Ireland provides funding for arts activity across Northern Ireland. There are funding programmes both for individual artists and organisations.

Networks and organisations

The following organisations connect UK artists and arts organisations with peers in Europe and other countries.

  • IETM, the international network for contemporary performing arts, has over 500 members from more than 50 countries. The network organises two conferences every year, together with smaller meetings around the world, and presents advice, research and information to support international exchange and inclusion in performing arts.
  • On the Move (OTM) is a cultural mobility information network, active in 20 countries in Europe and around the world, including the UK. The network alerts members to opportunities and grants, and provides training, resources and other support.
  • PEARLE, the Performing Arts Employers’ Associations League Europe, represents performing arts managers, festivals, promoters and performance venues across Europe.

Other useful websites

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