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European Regional Development Fund

The European Regional Development Fund supports regional development projects by funding infrastructure, investment and innovation, where live music actors (venues, festivals, networks) can be involved when projects contribute to local development, urban regeneration or cultural facilities.

What the programme supports

  • Infrastructure (including cultural venues)
  • Renovation and equipment
  • Regional development projects
  • Innovation
  • Support to SMEs
  • Digitalisation
  • Energy efficiency
  • Urban regeneration
  • Tourism and cultural heritage

ERDF funds projects that demonstrate a clear public or regional interest.

Policy priorities

  • Regional and territorial cohesion
  • Innovation and competitiveness of SMEs
  • Digital transition
  • Environmental and climate transition
  • Sustainable urban development

Geographic scope

Regional (managed at national or regional level). Projects must take place within the programme territory (e.g. a specific region).

Type of partnerships

Mono-beneficiary or partnership, depending on the call. Partnerships often include public authorities, regional bodies, and economic actors.

      Type of partners

      Public authorities, municipalities, regional agencies, cultural organisations, SMEs, NGOs, research institutions.

      Budget

      Highly variable, depending on the region and call. It is often large-scale (hundreds of thousands to several million euros) with co-funding required (typically 40%–60% EU contribution, varies by region).

      Project duration

      Typically 1 to 5 years, depending on project scale.

      Administrative complexity

      High:

      • Procurement rules
      • Reporting
      • Financial controls
      • Compliance with regional programme priorities

      Regularity of calls

      No single EU-wide calendar. Calls are published by national or regional Managing Authorities.

      Get help for your application

      Contact your regional or national Managing Authority. Regional authorities often provide guidance, information sessions and pre-application support

      Examples of projects funded

      Le 106, music venue in Rouen (FR) – was built thanks to ERDF funds, as well as financial support from local governments.

      Art’Cade (FR) –  received ERDF support through the Occitanie “Plan LED spectacle vivant” to replace its venue lighting equipment with more energy-efficient projectors adapted to current live music needs.

      Where to apply

      Applications are submitted to the regional or national Managing Authority responsible for ERDF in your territory. In practice, this is often handled by regional governments or dedicated EU funds portals.