“This initiative not only funds creative
projects but also ensures that cultural
and creative organisations have the
means to innovate, collaborate, and
contribute to a sustainable and
inclusive European society.”

Introduction

The Creative Europe Programme is the European Union’s primary funding initiative aimed at supporting cultural and creative sectors across Europe. It provides financial assistance to transnational projects that enhance artistic creation, cultural collaboration, and the sustainability of CCIs. Managed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA), the programme funds small, medium, and large-scale cooperation projects that align with EU policy priorities.

Organisational Context

The Creative Europe Cooperation Project Support initiative was established in response to:

• The need for stronger transnational cultural cooperation in the face of increasing global challenges.
• The push for digital transformation and adaptation within CCIs.
• The European Green Deal and the necessity of embedding sustainability in cultural practices.
• The post-pandemic recovery of CCIs, ensuring resilience and future-proofing the sector.
• The European Agenda for Culture 2021-2027, which prioritises cultural innovation and international collaboration.

Existing policies, such as the New European Bauhaus and the EU Work Plan for Culture (2023-2026), provide a strong foundation for the programme’s objectives.

Challenges & opportunities

Challenges Addressed

• Limited access to funding and resources for cultural projects across Europe.
• The digital and green transition, which requires new skills and infrastructure in CCIs.
• The need for enhanced cross-border collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
• Social inclusion, ensuring cultural activities are accessible to all groups, including marginalised communities.

Intended Outcomes and Sectoral Impact

• Strengthened cultural networks and cross-sectoral partnerships.
• Increased innovation and adaptability in CCIs.
• Promotion of cultural diversity and European identity.
• Improved financial sustainability and competitiveness for CCIs.
• Greater integration of sustainability and digital technologies in cultural projects.

Opportunities for Supporting CCIs and Innovation

• Grants for small, medium, and large-scale cooperation projects.
• Capacity-building activities and talent development initiatives.
• Greater mobility opportunities for artists and cultural professionals.
• New collaborations fostering experimental and cross-disciplinary artistic production.

Open innovation ecosystems

What is Open Innovation in This Context?

• The programme encourages collaboration across different disciplines and sectors to drive innovation in cultural and creative industries.
• It promotes knowledge-sharing, allowing organisations to learn from one another and co-develop creative solutions.

Key Actors

• Cultural organisations, artists, and creative professionals.
• Educational and research institutions.
• Private sector entities supporting cultural innovation.

Value Creation

• Economic value through job creation and cultural entrepreneurship.
• Social value by promoting inclusivity, cultural participation, and community resilience.
• Environmental value through sustainable cultural practices.

Ways to Better Support Innovation

• Strengthening financial mechanisms for CCI projects.
• Increasing access to digital tools and training.
• Enhancing policy frameworks that facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration.
• Encouraging experimentation and R&D in creative industries.

Measurable outcomes

Indicators of Success

• Increased cross-border collaboration and cultural exchange.
• Adoption of digital and sustainable practices by supported projects.
• Enhanced audience engagement and cultural accessibility.
• Job creation and economic growth within CCIs.

Evaluation Metrics and Tools

• KPIs on digital transition, inclusivity, and sustainability within funded projects.
• Quantitative data: number of artists/mobility exchanges, publications, digital outputs, and sustainability initiatives.

Overall. case study illustrates how the Creative Europe Cooperation Project Support Opportunity
fosters cultural collaboration, strengthens CCIs, and promotes sustainability and digital innovation. By
addressing key challenges and leveraging cross-sectoral partnerships, the programme plays a crucial
role in the future of European cultural cooperation.