Although cultural policy and funding are primarily the competence of EU Member States, the European Union does provide financial support for certain cultural projects.
Live DMA advocates for the continuation of this support in the long term, ensuring that live music organizations—often underrecognized and facing unequal access to national cultural funding—receive a fair share of these resources.
EU FUNDING FOR MUSIC
1. Creative Europe – The Main Funding Programme for Culture
The Creative Europe program is the primary EU funding scheme for the cultural and creative sectors, supporting various initiatives in live music.
Visit the Creative Europe website.
Connect with the Creative Europe Desk from your country for guidance.
2. Music Moves Europe – Supporting the Music Sector
Sub-programme of Creative Europe, Music Moves Europe has funded several live music projects:
- LIVEMX (now closed) – Supported music export, live music venues, and digital circulation.
- MUSICAIRE (now closed) – Focused on innovation, sustainability, and digital transition in music.
Coop SMV (now closed) – Strengthened small and medium-sized venues through cooperation projects.
3. Culture Moves Europe (closed) – Mobility Funding for Artists & Professionals
Another Creative Europe initiative, Culture Moves Europe provides mobility grants for artists and cultural professionals, including those in live music.
Good to Know – Other EU Funding Opportunities
Beyond cultural funding, music organizations can also apply for programs such as Erasmus+ (non-formal training and lifelong learning), Horizon Europe (research), FEDER (European Regional Fund), and Interreg (interregional cooperation).Explore CulturEU, the European Commission’s interactive funding guide for the cultural and creative sectors, to discover a wide range of funding programs beyond Creative Europe.