Restoring the UK's participation in the Creative Europe programme would re-open opportunities for cross-border collaboration, artist mobility and cultural diversity. Image credit: Shutterstock.
Musicians across the UK are being asked to speak out in support of joining Creative Europe, the EU’s main funding programme for the cultural, creative and audiovisual sectors.
Ahead of the 2026 UK–EU Summit, a new campaign is collecting short artist testimonials to build support and encourage the Government to restore UK participation.
The campaign is led by the Forum on EU-UK Cultural & Media Relations, a non-partisan initiative based in London and Brussels, and the European Movement, one of the country’s largest pro-European organisations.
UK musicians have lost access to vital EU funding
Since leaving the EU, UK artists have lost access to Creative Europe funding. The programme supports thousands of projects and professionals promoting:
- Cross-border collaboration
- Career development and artist mobility
- Access to new audiences across Europe
As the EU’s primary funding program with a €2.44 billion budget (2021-2027), joining Creative Europe would reopen opportunities for musicians at a time when the sector is facing rising costs and barriers to working internationally.
The next programme (proposed for 2028–2034) could increase funding even further, making it an even bigger opportunity for UK musicians if participation is restored.
Submit your testimonial to The Forum
To strengthen the campaign, the Forum and the European Movement will be promoting artist testimonials on their social media channels to advocate for the UK to join Creative Europe.
They are looking for recognisable musicians and leading cultural figures to contribute:
- One short sentence (maximum 15 words) supporting UK participation in Creative Europe
- A high-definition photo
- (Optional) A 30–60 second vertical video
Your voice will help show decision-makers why this programme matters.
Submit your content via email to organisers@forum-uk.eu. The Forum and the European Movement need this content as soon as possible, and are requesting submissions by mid-June.
Sign the petition
The Forum has also launched a Europe-wide petition calling on the UK Government to formally declare the UK's interest in rejoining Creative Europe from 2027.
Sign and share the petition to show your support.
Sign the petition