The EU recognises the importance of culture in society, the economy and international relations and plays a key role in supporting and promoting culture across EU countries.
Through various initiatives and funding programmes, the EU works to protect Europe's rich cultural heritage, foster a favourable ecosystem for the cultural and creative industries, and promote cultural diversity. While each EU member state is responsible for its own cultural sector policy, the EU helps them address common challenges such as the impact of digital technologies, changing models of cultural governance, and the need to support innovation in the cultural and creative sectors.
The Creative Europe programme is the main source of EU funding for the cultural and creative sectors. Since 2014, the programme has supported projects that foster cultural diversity, promote artistic expression and enhance the economic potential of the creative industries. The programme is divided into two areas, Culture and Media, and is supported by a cross-cutting area that fosters innovative activity and collaboration between the different cultural and creative sectors.
In the cultural sector, initiatives such as Culture Moves Europe support cultural mobility within and beyond Europe. The initiative offers mobility grants to artists and cultural professionals from 40 countries, covering the fields of architecture, cultural heritage, design, fashion design, literature, music, performing arts and visual arts. There are two types of grants: for individual mobility and for residency hosts. The latest individual mobility call is open for applications until 30 November 2024.
There are many other EU funding programmes that support culture and creativity. Potential applicants can use the CulturEU funding guide. This interactive web tool showcases available funding opportunities for the cultural and creative sector in the EU programmes for 2021-2027.
To raise the profile of Europe's cultural and audiovisual sector, the EU supports various activities, initiatives and awards. These aim to celebrate achievements and raise awareness of European culture and heritage. Initiatives such as the European Capital of Culture, which annually designates a city of cultural excellence, boost local economies and promote tourism. The European Heritage Label promotes places of symbolic European importance. The European Union Prize for Literature and the EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture celebrate literary and architectural excellence respectively. Music Moves Europe serves as a framework for the European Commission's initiatives and activities in support of the European music sector.
By investing in culture, the EU not only strengthens European identity and unity, but also contributes to economic growth, social cohesion and the well-being of its citizens.
More Information
Culture and creativity
Creative Europe
Culture drives Europe
Open call for individual travel for artists and cultural professionals
CultureEU Funding Guide 2021-27
European Capital of Culture
European Heritage Label Site
European Union Prize for Literature
EU Contemporary Architecture Award
Music moves Europe
