Perform Europe 2026 - 2028 open for funding applications

After two highly successful editions, Perform Europe will continue to put emphasis on exploring, with the performing arts sector, how cross-border touring can be made fairer, greener, and more inclusive.

This is a call to the sector to create partnerships and propose impactful ideas that can generate real change via two main priorities: inclusion and diversity; and the fight against climate change. 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.

Perform Europe funding applies to performing arts, theatre, dance, performance, circus, outdoor arts, puppetry, interdisciplinary, change-makers, inclusion, diversity, fight against climate change, sustainability, fairness, cross-border mobility, innovation.

The Perform Europe call opens on 23 June 2026. The deadline to apply for funding is 22 October 2026. Find out more about the Perform Europe funding call.

The Perform Europe funding page has multiple resources to help you with your application as well as a Perform Europe Partner Matching Platform. (See video below for a preview).

Who can apply for Perform Europe funding?

Any organisation and professional working in the performing arts, and legally based in one of the Creative Europe Countries: Creative Europe countries are made up of 27 EU member states as well as
14 non-EU participating countries

Proposals are submitted by partnerships that have a minimum of three partners from a minimum of three Creative Europe countries. At least one performing arts work (excluding live music and opera) must be presented in a minimum of three different Creative Europe countries.

Perform Europe will not cover production costs for new creations. Funding proposals should include a finished artistic work i.ei. a finished production or an artistic concept ready to be applied and presented in different contexts.

How can I find European Partners?

Perform Europe Matchmaking Platform is an online networking tool that helps performing arts professionals find and connect with partners across borders. Explore more than 2,300 profiles of artists, cultural organisations, collectives, festivals, venues and residencies across 41 countries, and the list continues to grow every day. Create your profile, present your work and needs, find relevant partners and connect with them directly through the platform.

How much can I apply for?

Perform Europe will grant €1.4 million to at least 25 partnerships. Applicants can apply for grants in three categories:

• €15,000 – small grant
• €25,000 – medium grant
• €55,000 – large grant
• Top-up Requests: 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 €5,000 per proposal.
• The maximum granted amount, including top-ups, will be €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.

How can I apply for Perform Europe funding?

• Download Perform Europe Open Call Guidelines
• Check out Perform Europe's resources and partner matching platform.
• Applications will be processed on the Perform Europe platform. You must create an account to apply for funnding.
• Deadline: Apply before 22 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST which is 22:59 Irish time / GMT.