Chapter 1: The Impact of EU Funding on European Arts and Culture

The European Union has long recognized the vital role that arts and culture play in fostering social cohesion, driving economic growth, and celebrating Europe's rich diversity. Through dedicated funding programmes like Creative Europe, the EU has invested billions of euros to support cultural and creative projects across the continent.

Creative Europe: Empowering the Cultural Sector

Creative Europe, the EU's flagship cultural funding programme, has a budget of €2.4 billion for 2021-2027, an impressive 63% increase compared to the previous funding period. This substantial investment reflects the EU's commitment to bolstering the resilience and competitiveness of Europe's cultural and creative sectors. The programme is part of a broader EU funding framework that includes other key programs such as Erasmus+ (€23.4 billion) and Horizon Europe (€95.5 billion), which also support cultural projects and research in the cultural and creative sectors.

The Programme Supports a Wide Range of Initiatives

- Transnational Cooperation Projects: Between cultural and creative organisations, fostering international collaboration and exchange.

- European Platforms and Networks: That promote emerging artists and stimulate European programming, contributing to the formation of a European cultural identity.

- Literary Translation Projects: That celebrate linguistic diversity and increase the circulation of European literature, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

By the Numbers: Creative Europe's Impact

Since its launch in 2014, Creative Europe has funded over 5,000 cultural projects, involving more than 25,000 organisations and reaching millions of Europeans. Some key statistics highlight the programme's far-reaching impact:

• €1.46 Billion Invested: In the cultural and creative sectors between 2014-2020, demonstrating the EU's commitment to supporting artistic innovation and cultural exchange.
• Over 8,000 Cultural Organisations Supported: Including those involved in projects like ULYSSES European Odyssey, which produced artistic responses in public spaces to social and cultural themes across 18 cities in 16 countries.
• More Than 12,000 Artists and Cultural Professionals Received Mobility Grants: Facilitating cross-border collaboration and professional development, as seen in initiatives like i-Portunus Houses, which supports host organizations from all creative fields.
• 5,500 Books and Other Literary Works Translated: Promoting linguistic diversity and the circulation of European literature, contributing to the cultural richness of the continent.

These impressive figures demonstrate how EU funding is making a tangible difference in promoting cultural exchange, supporting artistic innovation, and strengthening Europe's creative economy.