Perform Europe has launched its third Open Call, making €1.4 million available to support cross-border touring projects in the performing arts across 41 Creative Europe countries. The funding is aimed at fostering innovative international collaborations that promote artistic excellence, inclusion, sustainability and fair working practices.
By Creatives Unite CommunityOrganiser: Perform Europe
Deadline: 22 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
Who is it for: all performing arts professionals and organisations legally based in 41 Creative Europe countries
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Perform Europe, the forward-looking European funding scheme for cross-border touring in the performing arts sector, has launched its third Open Call, offering €1.4 million in total to support innovative touring proposals across 41 Creative Europe countries.
Who can participate?Open to all performing arts professionals and organisations legally based in 41 Creative Europe countries, applications must be submitted by partnerships comprising at least three partners from three different Creative Europe countries. Proposals must include at least one finished performing arts work from circus, dance, outdoor arts, performance art, puppetry or theatre (excluding live music and opera) to be presented in a minimum of three Creative Europe countries. Selected projects can tour between 1 March 2027 and 31 January 2028.
Priorities of the callThe call encourages partnerships to propose touring proposals that can lead to real change in the sector, with a focus on Perform Europe's priorities:
- Inclusion and diversity
- Fight against climate change
Particular attention will be given to proposals involving underrepresented regions and communities. 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 Creative Europe.
FundingPartnerships can apply for grants of: €15,000, €25,000 or €55,000. In addition, applicants may request top-up funding up to €5,000 to support accessibility and sustainability measures. 5% of the total funding available will be dedicated to proposals involving Ukraine.
Read the Open Call and apply before 22 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
Applicants can use the Perform Europe Matchmaking Platform, a dedicated networking tool connecting over 2,300 performing arts professionals and organisations from 41 countries. Users can filter potential collaborators, connect directly and develop joint touring proposals.
Following two successful editions between 2020 and 2026, Perform Europe has supported 61 international partnerships involving more than 272 partners across 41 countries. Together, these projects tested innovative touring models, redefining how performing arts works are presented across borders.
Perform Europe is co-funded by the European Union and implemented by a Consortium of six organisations: IETM - International network for contemporary performing arts, European Festivals Association (EFA), European Dance Development Network (EDN), Circostrada, Pearle* - Live Performance Europe and IDEA Consult.
