Call for expressions of interest for Fest: cultural and artistic activities – New European Bauhaus Festival 2026

About the Open Call

The European Commission is organizing the third edition of the New European Bauhaus Festival in Brussels, Belgium, from June 9-13, 2026. The Festival aims to address the transformative power of democratic engagement in shaping sustainable communities, with a particular emphasis on affordable housing and reimagining the built environment. The "Fest" pillar is a celebration uniting culture, art, and conviviality, honoring freedom of expression and embracing radical, innovative, and disruptive ideas. It calls for artists to propose contemporary languages of artistic experimentation, including music, live audiovisual shows, public projections, participatory theatre, documentary theatre, dance, performances, and art exhibitions. Proposals can be for in-person activities in Brussels or digital content. The Festival emphasizes projects aligned with the New European Bauhaus values of Sustainability (climate goals, circularity, zero pollution, biodiversity), Aesthetics (quality of experience, style), and Inclusion (diversity, equality, accessibility, affordability). Projects should also relate to thematic axes: Reconnecting with nature, Regaining a sense of belonging, Prioritizing the places and people that need it most, and Fostering long-term, life cycle, and integrated thinking in the industrial ecosystem. Proposals illustrating a multilevel, participatory, and transdisciplinary approach are encouraged.

What is Offered

Coverage for travel expenses and a flat fee will be allocated to the selected activities to contribute to the fair remuneration of artists. Opportunity for international exposure through participation in a hybrid event in Brussels and beyond.

Requirements

Applicants should be artists. Proposals must promote the values of the New European Bauhaus (Sustainability, Aesthetics, Inclusion) and relate to at least one thematic axis (Reconnecting with nature, Regaining a sense of belonging, Prioritizing the places and people that need it most, Fostering long-term thinking). Proposals should be planned for the festival week (June 9-13, 2026) in Brussels. Projects may also illustrate multilevel, participatory, and transdisciplinary approaches. Selection criteria include content-related requirements (connection to values/themes, originality, communication plan) and technical requirements (capacity to deliver, budget soundness, balance of expressions).

How to Apply

Please fill in the online application form by clicking on the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/NEBFestival2026-Fest. Your applications must be submitted in English, no later than 30 September 2025.