• Live music

Cross-Border Col­lab­o­ra­tions in the Performing Arts

This policy paper seeks to provide policymakers and funders with a clearer understanding of the main trends, challenges and needs shaping cross-border collaboration in the performing arts. It identifies key gaps in existing funding systems and outlines the types of support that are most urgently needed to enable international artistic cooperation to continue, evolve and thrive. Looking at the realities of 2026, the paper offers recommendations for rethinking, strengthening and sustaining international collaboration in the performing arts.

With a particular focus on Europe, the paper pays close attention to the future of EU support for the cultural and creative sectors, especially AgoraEU, the proposed Creative Europe-Culture strand within the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034. It presents both forward-looking and practical proposals for how EU cultural funding can contribute more effectively to global cultural engagement, solidarity, exchange and long-term cooperation.

The document is based on input from 153 members of five international performing arts networks: ASSITEJ – International Association of Theatre and Performing Arts for Children and Young People; Circostrada – European Network for Contemporary Circus and Outdoor Arts; EDN – European Dance Development Network; EFA – European Festivals Association; and IETM – International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts. Together, these networks form the Performing Arts Coalition, established in 2025 to support research and advocacy aimed at strengthening the role and recognition of the performing arts at EU level.