Erasmus+
Erasmus+ supports transnational projects focused on learning, skills and professional exchange, where live music actors (venues, festivals, networks) can take part by developing training activities, peer-learning formats and capacity-building initiatives for their teams and communities.
What gets funded
- Training programmes
- Skills development
- Mobility of professionals
- Knowledge exchange
- Organisational capacity-building
- Development of innovative training methods and tools
The programme does NOT support artistic creation or production or programming.
What your project needs to address
- Skills development
- Inclusion and diversity
- Youth participation
- Digital and environmental transitions
Geographic scope
European, with transnational cooperation required. EU Member States participate fully in Erasmus+ actions, as well as:
- Acceding countries, candidate countries and potential candidates: the Republic of North Macedonia, Republic of Türkiye, and Republic of Serbia.
- The members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) which are members of the European Economic Area (EEA): Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein.
Type of partnerships
Two main formats exist:
- Cooperation partnerships (larger, structured)
- Small partnerships (lighter, more accessible)
Type of partners
NGOs, cultural organisations (venues and festivals), education and training bodies, SMEs active in relevant fields.
Budget
- Small partnerships: €30 000 or €60 000
- Cooperation partnerships: €120 000, €250 000 or €400 000
Funding takes the form of a lump sum. The overall cost of the project needs to be higher than the lump sum asked.
Project duration
- Small-scale partnerships: 6 to 24 months
- Cooperation partnerships: 12 to 36 months
Administrative complexity and eligibility requirements
Low (small partnerships) to medium (cooperation partnerships). In order to be eligible, applicant/coordinator organisations must have been legally established for at least 2 years before the application deadline.
Regularity of calls
One main call per year (typically published in autumn, with a deadline early in the following year).
Success rate
In 2024, the approval rate of Erasmus Partnerships for Cooperation (including cooperation partnerships and small-scale cooperations) was of 19,8%.
Get help for your application
- Contact your national Erasmus+ National Agency
- Inquire about the information sessions, guidelines and support materials that are provided at national level
- Check the Programme Guide that provides detailed eligibility and application rules
Examples of projects funded
Small-scale partnerships:
- CO.GOV: Building Sustainable Urban Cultural-Creative Ecosystems – a cooperation project between cultural hubs in Bucharest and Marseille that develops participatory governance models to support the sustainable transformation of former industrial sites into creative spaces. Access their Guide here.
- H+H – Herning to Hannover: Empowering Youth Through Sustainable Touring – a pilot project testing sustainable “slow and deep touring” models through cross-border tours by young bands in Denmark and Germany, combining greener mobility with community engagement. Watch the documentary here.
- D.E.M.O.O. – Deaf Enjoy Music and Overcome Obstacles – a transnational project developing inclusive learning methods and tools to help Deaf adults experience music while supporting educators and the music sector in making musical activities more accessible.
Cooperation partnerships:
- Europavox Campus – a transnational project combining music events and youth mobility to engage young people in cultural creation, civic participation and skills development across Europe.
- Kultincusion: promoting inclusivity and sustainability in cultural events – supports cultural organisations across several European countries in developing practical tools and skills to design inclusive and environmentally sustainable events.
Live DMA tip
Choose this if…
- You want to develop training, skills or knowledge exchange activities for your team or sector.
- You are looking for a relatively accessible EU programme, especially through small partnerships.
- Your project focuses on capacity-building rather than artistic output, with clear learning objectives.ng and co-financing
Avoid if…
- Your project is primarily about programming concerts, artistic creation or touring.
- You are looking for large-scale funding or infrastructure investment.
- You do not have a clear learning or training dimension at the core of your project.
Where to apply
Applications should be submitted to the National Erasmus Agency of the project coordinator. Erasmus+ Programme Guide.