The Transatlantic Rising Stars Project, known as ‘Transatlantic Stars’, is a three-year initiative of the European Union Delegation to the U.S. based in Washington, D.C. It opens doors for European artists to enter the U.S. cultural landscape while creating opportunities for American and European artists to work together. The project aims to advance artistic development, foster dialogue, build community, and boost visual artists, musicians, and filmmakers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Visual Arts
Six European artists will spend two months (April–June 2027) fully immersed in American communities across the U.S. as members of artist residency programmes. Each European is paired one-to-one with an American artist to create new work together of their own design, culminating in at least one physical piece to be showcased in Washington, D.C., at the conclusion of the programme.
This programme welcomes applications from EU visual artists of all mediums. Community engagement is key.
Each selected artist will be awarded international and domestic airfare, on-site lodging and studio space, and access to host facilities, equipment, and community network, as well as assistance in visa procurement. In addition, artists will also receive a stipend (4,000 EUR) and a materials budget (500 EUR).
Music
Five songwriters and performers will spend two weeks in Cleveland, Ohio, to work with the local music industry and explore the music scene. Each is paired with an American musician for real studio and co-writing time. The experience culminates in final performances – first locally in Cleveland and then again in Washington, D.C.
This programme welcomes applications from rising mid-career EU songwriters and performers.
All selected Music Programme participants will receive international and domestic travel, accommodation, visa assistance, and meals. Participants will also receive on-the-ground support.
All programmes
In June, all three programmes will come together in Washington, D.C., for a shared opportunity to meet and exchange as a single multimedia artist cohort and headline a public event produced by the European Union Delegation to the U.S.
There is also a programme open to filmmakers.
Submissions Portal opens on 12 October 2026. Please note that only the first 300 applications will be accepted, so submit early.
