The last few years have seen significant change in the cultural and creative industries. This has been caused not only by the outbreak of COVID-19, and the rapid conversion to digital technologies, but also by the powerful impact of international social movements. Arts and cultural organisations are questioning their role within our societies, seeking new ways of engaging with audiences, and responding to the challenges of our times.

Open to all non-profit European cultural organisations, the European Award encourages new forms of audience engagement and participation in arts and culture, supporting innovative projects, across all art forms, that can be shared, replicated and scaled across Europe. Working against all social, economic and geographic barriers, the Award encourages access to arts and culture for everyone, and champions new dialogues between the arts and audiences.

This year, 3 prizes of €50,000 each and 1 Audience Choice Award of €10,000 will be given to support and stimulate best practices in audience engagement, participation and access to arts and culture across Europe.

Applicants are invited to apply to one of the 3 categories based on the cultural organisation’s annual expenditure in financial year 2019:

  • Category 1: Cultural organisations up to €500,000 annual expenditure
  • Category 2: Cultural organisations from €500,000 to €2 million annual expenditure
  • Category 3: Cultural organisations over €2 million annual expenditure

The European Award offers a platform for sharing and disseminating best practices and a space for dialogue and exchange between international arts professionals.

Applications are open until August 31, 2022. Further information about the application process and the 2020 and 2021 shortlisted projects are available via this link.

Art Explora shares arts and culture with everyone – locally, nationally and internationally – inspiring new encounters between arts and audiences. We work in partnership with artists, cultural organisations and communities, exploring all art forms, and creating unforgettable cultural experiences.
Our imaginative, contemporary approach encourages new forms of public participation and engagement, pushing boundaries with digital technology and mobile programming.

Created by entrepreneur Frédéric Jousset, Art Explora is a collective journey bringing together many partners and already more than 1500 volunteers.

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