The European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists (EFFEA) 2026 4th cycle is open for artists and partner festivals

The internationally recognized European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists (EFFEA) launches its 4th annual edition this year, inviting emerging artists worldwide to apply for its supportive grant. EFFEA creates international opportunities by supporting the presentation and development of artistic work beyond national borders. It also fosters cross-border collaboration among festivals and brings audiences fresh, unexpected cultural experiences within their own cities. Participating festivals and artists engage across a wide spectrum of disciplines, including architecture, ballet and contemporary dance, circus, design and applied arts, digital arts, film, folklore and folk traditions, heritage, interdisciplinary practices, literature, music, opera, street art, theatre, photography and video, puppetry, sculpture, and painting. EFFEA Discovery offers around 40 grants of €8,000 to support artists at the early stages of their careers with strong international potential. Each residency includes a work-in-progress or production presentation at the leading festival, a workshop between the artist and festivals (either live or online), and participation in EFFEA seminars. EFFEA Springboard provides approximately 10 grants of €15,000 for artists already established in their own countries and prepared to expand internationally. Each residency features at least three presentations of the artist’s completed work across the leading and partner festivals, alongside a masterclass delivered in at least three countries.

Founded in 1952 in Geneva, Switzerland the European Festivals Association (EFA) connects and supports festivals across Europe and beyond, fostering artistic quality, inclusion, international cooperation, and cultural exchange. One of its key initiatives, the European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists (EFFEA), co-funded by the EU’s Creative Europe programme, strengthens cross-border collaboration among festivals while providing emerging artists with opportunities to advance their international careers. In 2026, EFFEA will support around 50 residencies, bringing together at least 50 artists and 150 festivals across Europe and beyond.