This action of the Creative Europe programme aims to support cultural entities – such as orchestras – with a large geographical reach, whose aim is to offer training, professionalization and performance opportunities for young, highly talented artists.
Supporting orchestras that shape Europe’s cultural future
The Pan-European Cultural Entities (PECE) action under Creative Europe supports orchestras that cultivate emerging musical talent, expand access to culture and engage diverse audiences. These ensembles serve not only as cultural ambassadors but also as promoters of the European Union’s core values:
- artistic freedom
- diversity
- solidarity
- sustainability
What is the purpose of the Pan-European Cultural Entities action?
This action helps young orchestral musicians grow artistically and professionally. It contributes to EU cultural policy by:
- widening access to music and culture across borders
- promoting artistic excellence and diversity
- encouraging innovation and sustainable practices in music creation, production, and audience engagement
Themes and priorities
European orchestras that get support under this action focus on:
- learning and skills development
- youth engagement and sectorial resilience
- freedom of artistic expression, mobility and cross-border collaboration
- diversity, equality, inclusion
- democracy, cultural solidarity, including support for Ukraine
- sustainability and climate action
- innovation in artistic practice and audience engagement
2021 selection highlights
For the period 2021-2023, the European Union co-financed 4 pan-European cultural entities in the field of orchestras. These projects allowed more than 800 young European musicians to engage in the projects’ activities at different levels.
2024 Selection highlights
In 2024, the action allocated around €11 million to 5 new projects, hosted in
- Austria
- Germany
- North Macedonia
- Portugal
- Spain
These projects support emerging musicians from at least 20 countries participating in the Creative Europe programme. They represent a vibrant snapshot of Europe’s rich and evolving musical landscape spanning genres as varied as baroque, classical, contemporary, choral, symphonic, folk, jazz, film and digital media music.
Their activities include operas, symbolic choral works, new compositions, and professional recordings.