• Mobility

Cultural Mobility Flows Report: Cities as Enablers of International Cultural Mobility

How can cities become stronger drivers of cultural mobility? This cross-disciplinary publication explores how municipalities are supporting the international mobility of artists and cultural professionals through travel grants, exchange programmes, residencies and other city-led initiatives. Building on a Cultural Mobility Webinar organised by On the Move in collaboration with HowlRound, the report looks at successful examples, including initiatives linked to the European Capitals of Culture programme, and highlights the growing role of local authorities in creating meaningful international opportunities. While these schemes can help artists expand their careers, build new relationships and strengthen their professional sustainability, they often remain under-recognised compared to their real impact. The publication offers concrete recommendations for cultural stakeholders, pointing towards policy changes, funding models and collaborative frameworks that can make international mobility more accessible, especially for those facing structural barriers.

This report examines the role of cities in supporting the international mobility of artists, cultural professionals and their work. It looks at how municipalities are developing travel grants, exchange programmes, artist residencies and other initiatives that contribute to artistic development, international cooperation and cultural diversity.

Building on the Cultural Mobility Webinar organised by On the Move, the publication highlights how city-led schemes can create meaningful opportunities for artists and cultural professionals to expand their careers, build international relationships and strengthen their long-term professional sustainability. At the same time, it points out that these initiatives often remain insufficiently recognised in relation to their ambition and impact.

Drawing on examples from frameworks such as the European Capitals of Culture programme, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, city twinning programmes and initiatives supporting artists at risk, the report offers concrete recommendations for cultural stakeholders. It points towards policy changes, funding initiatives and collaborative frameworks that can make international mobility more accessible, with particular attention to those facing structural barriers.