Perform Europe is a pilot scheme funded by the European Commission. Its aim is to support experiments to make touring of performing arts works in Creative Europe countries more sustainable and inclusive. The project is an 18-month journey, which includes a research phase, testing a grant-giving programme, and designing policy recommendations.
The organisers are currently getting ready to start testing the Perform Europe grant-giving scheme. For that, they will soon launch the Perform Europe digital platform – a space for collective learning, experimentation and networking. Then, they will open the application process, divided in two steps.
- In the first step, all interested producers (artists, collectives, companies and presenters that have produced an artistic work) and presenters (festivals, venues, and other organisations offering a presenting context) are invited to apply to be part of Perform Europe’s process of collective learning and networking organised by Perform Europe and supported by its digital platform. Applicants, selected in this step, will be invited to join two events, providing space for mentorship, pitching ideas, and sharing best practices of more sustainable and inclusive touring practices.
- In the second step, while and after participating in the learning and networking process, applicants will shape partnerships among each other, co-create touring and distribution proposals, and apply for Perform Europe grants. The total budget available is €1.5 million; grant amounts will range from €10,000 to €100,000. The second call will be published at the end of July only for those selected in the first step.
In the first step, Perform Europe is looking for organisations and freelance professionals that:
- Work in the performing arts: theatre, dance, performance (including amateur performance), circus and street arts. Please note that live music performances (including opera or musicals) are not covered by Perform Europe, except for music theatre.
- For producers: have an artistic work or artistic initiatives they would like to bring to other countries – physically, digitally or in a mixed way, between October 2021 and the end of June 2022.
- For presenters: have a festival or a space, or other context which would present an artistic work from another country between October 2021 and the end of June 2022.
- Are based in one of the Creative Europe countries* or in the United Kingdom.
- Have a vision on how to collaborate across borders through sharing resources, practicing fairness and solidarity.
- Are already practicing alternative and innovative touring and distribution practices and can demonstrate it, and also those that are eager to innovate their practices and have a vision on how to do it, but might experience too many constraints.
The organisers especially encourage presenters and producers that have less visibility in the cross-border artistic landscape to apply for this call. They welcome applications from women, artists and organisations based in rural areas, those having disadvantaged socio-economic or ethnic backgrounds, that identify as LGBTQIA+, have disabilities and any other people that identify as part of an underrepresented group within the performing arts landscape.
