This page is for artists, organisations who are beneficiaries, and other participants in the Creative Europe Programme. It explains how coronavirus is affecting activities, what changes are taking place, and what help is available.
The European Commission’s main objective is the safety and protection of all citizens with the community of the Creative Europe Programme included.
The Commission fully respects all of the containment measures currently being taken at national level and the Commission understands that those measures may have consequences on the projects and other initiatives.
To respond to these uncertainties, together with the Executive Agency EACEA, the Commission is applying the maximum flexibility it can in the implementation of the programme, within the limits of the applicable legal framework.
The Commission is also in close contact with the national Creative Europe desks regarding the situation and will adopt any additional measure that may become necessary.
REINFORCING LINKS WITH MEMBER STATES, CREATIVE EUROPE DESKS, NETWORKS AND PLATFORMS
Creative Europe relies on the strong relationship with its stakeholders, and the Creative Europe Desks, established in the Member States, form a very important part of this network.
To reinforce these links, we will organise an informal virtual meeting before the summer, to inform Creative Europe Desks and involved stakeholders about the guidance put in place.
COOPERATION PROJECTS TO ASSIST THE SECTORS MOST IN NEED
With an overall sum of EUR 48,5 million, the 2020 Cooperation projects call is the most substantial part of the Creative Europe Culture sub-programme. The call was launched in November 2019 and the evaluation of has been speeded up to take account of the pandemic. A first substantial part of the budget will reach the sector via the pre-financing instalments very quickly. The projects can start in September 2020 and can last up to four years.
These cooperation projects are open to all kinds of organisations from the cultural sector, giving much needed support to artists, organisations and creative professionals involved. These projects also have a clear European dimension and will efficiently complement the emergency measures taken at national level.
SUPPORT SCHEME FOR THE CROSS-BORDER DIMENSION OF PERFORMING ARTS WORKS
The COVID-19 crisis has shed a different light on the support scheme for the cross-border distribution of performing arts works (theatre, dance, circus and street arts) developed under the Work Programme 2020. Two issues have gained an acute relevance: the impact of mobility on the environment and the role of digital culture/virtual mobility.
Hence measures will be proposed to mitigate the sector’s carbon footprint. At the same time they will include a forward-looking reflection on the longer-term effects the circulation experience may have. Live recording and streaming of the supported performances will be another way to ensure sustainability and a broader outreach through future viewing experiences online.
The 2 million euro call is foreseen to be published end May 2020, so that the winning tenderer can start the activity at the end of Q3 and funds can reach the sector by the end of the year.
MEDIA SUB-PROGRAMME
Under the responsibility of Commissioner Breton, special measures for cinemas are foreseen in the context of MEDIA support to the Europa Cinemas network. This is likely to take the form of a €5 million supplementary allocation of funds in the form of “vouchers” for cinemas most severely affected by the lockdown.
SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS
Find here all the relevant information about the extension of deadlines for ongoing calls.
PRACTICAL ADVICE FOR BENEFICIARIES
The European Commission asks beneficiaries of the Creative Europe Programme to showcase their art work using #CreativeEuropeAtHome. Find out more about the campaign.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For more information related to specific questions concerning Creative Europe activities, read the "Questions and Answers".
