EFFEA Call #5: European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists
Verified by the editorial team 29 September 2026
Updated Added a Ukrainian title, Discovery and Springboard details, partnership rules and confirmation that Ukraine is eligible; municipal institutions added as applicants.
Summary
EUR 8,000 (Discovery format) or EUR 15,000 (Springboard) for festivals hosting international artist residencies in 2027. A leading festival applies with at least two partner festivals from other countries; Ukraine is among the countries where leading festivals and artists can be based. Deadline 3 November 2026.
About the call
The European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists (EFFEA) supports festivals that host artists in international residencies. The fifth call covers about 50 residencies: 40 Discovery grants of EUR 8,000 for early-career artists with international breakthrough potential, and 10 Springboard grants of EUR 15,000 for established artists ready for international development.
Discovery includes a work-in-progress presentation, a workshop with programmers, an EFFEA film and seminar participation. Springboard includes at least three production presentations and live masterclasses in three or more countries, plus the film and seminars. Eligible disciplines include architecture, ballet, contemporary dance, circus, design, digital arts, film, folklore, heritage, literature, music, opera, theatre, photography and video, puppetry, sculpture, painting and interdisciplinary work.
The leading festival must have held at least one edition and be registered on FestivalFinder.eu. Partnerships need at least three festivals from three different eligible countries. Artists may be of any age or nationality but must hold nationality or legal residence in an eligible country. Online Zoom info sessions run on 29 September, 13 and 20 October 2026.
Who can apply
- Festivals that have held at least one edition
- Festivals registered on FestivalFinder.eu
- Leading festivals from eligible countries, including Ukraine
- Partnerships of at least three festivals from three countries
Who cannot apply
- Leading festivals from Israel, Palestine, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK (partners only)
- Festivals that have not yet held an edition
What the funds are for
- International artist residencies in 2027
- Work presentations and productions
- Workshops and masterclasses with programmers
- EFFEA film and seminar participation
Documents required
Forms and templates are on the call page
How to apply
- 1Register the festival on FestivalFinder.eu
- 2Agree with the artist and at least two partner festivals
- 3Complete the online form on the EFFEA site and attach the templates
- 4Submit by 3 November 2026
Questions and answers
- Can a Ukrainian festival be the leading applicant for EFFEA?
- Yes, Ukraine is among the countries where leading festivals and artists can be based. The leading festival must have held at least one edition and be registered on FestivalFinder.eu.
- How do the Discovery and Springboard formats differ?
- Discovery offers 40 grants of EUR 8,000 for early-career artists. Springboard offers 10 grants of EUR 15,000 for established artists, with at least three production presentations in three or more countries.
Change history
- Updated: Added a Ukrainian title, Discovery and Springboard details, partnership rules and confirmation that Ukraine is eligible; municipal institutions added as applicants.
Donor contacts
Email: info@european-festivals.eu
