The Open Call

Proposals are submitted by collaboration partnerships of performing arts professionals and organisations. Partners should work on their proposal together. This is a call to the sector to create partnerships and propose impactful ideas that can generate real change via two main priorities:

• INCLUSION & DIVERSITY
• FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

Each proposal should choose one of the above main priorities to focus on, while still taking into account and implementing measures related to the second priority.

In addition, all proposals should aim for quality and innovation, be built on fair practices, and are encouraged to promote collaboration across different regions within the 41 Creative Europe countries.

FUNDING

Perform Europe will grant EUR 1.4 million to at least 25 partnerships. 

Applicants can apply for grants in three categories:

• EUR 15,000 – small grant
• EUR 25,000 – medium grant
• EUR 55,000 – large grant

In addition to the requested grant category, partnerships can request top-ups to address the sustainability and accessibility needs of their proposal. Each partnership may request any combination of the available top-ups, up to a maximum total top-up request of EUR 5,000 per proposal. The maximum granted amount, including top-ups, will be EUR 60,000, a requirement set by the funder, the European Union.

Of the total funding, 5% will be allocated to proposals which involve a partnership with Ukrainian partners or support initiatives for the Ukrainian performing arts sector.

WHO CAN APPLY

Any organisation and professional working in the performing arts, and legally based in one of the Creative Europe Countries (27 EU member states plus 14 non-EU Participating Countries).

PARTNERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Proposals are submitted by partnerships. Each partnership must consist of a minimum of three partners from a minimum of three Creative Europe countries. Each proposal must include at least one performing arts work (excluding live music and opera) to be presented in a minimum of three different Creative Europe countries.

Important to note:  Perform Europe will not cover production costs for new creations: proposals are supposed to include a finished artistic work (finished production or an artistic concept ready to be applied and presented in different contexts).

Looking for partners? Use the Matchmaking Platform on the Perform Europe website!

• 23 June 2026 – Launch of open call
• 22 October 2026 23:59 CEST – Deadline for submitting applications
• January 2027 – Announcement of selected partnerships
• 1 March 2027 – Start of partnership projects
• 31 January 2028 – End of partnership projects

During the open call period, Perform Europe will organise help desk sessions, information, promotion and knowledge-sharing events regarding the open call. Check out events calendar for more details.