Thanks to Culture Moves Europe, Belgian creators and professionals in the fashion and design sectors can forge international collaborations, explore new creative ecosystems and strengthen their professional networks across Europe.

With a budget of €25 million for the period 2025–2028, Culture Moves Europe plans to support around 7,000 artists, cultural professionals and host organisations across the Creative Europe countries.

The new call for individual mobility grants for 2026–2027 is now open. Applications may be submitted between 1 October 2026 and 30 April 2027 under a monthly selection process.

The programme continues to support artists and cultural professionals wishing to develop an international project in collaboration with a partner based in another country participating in Creative Europe.

Who is it for?

The Culture Moves Europe programme is open to designers, independent creators, fashion designers and other professionals in the cultural and creative sectors who are legally resident in a country participating in the Creative Europe programme. Applicants must propose a mobility project in collaboration with an international partner based in a Creative Europe country.

Applications are open to individuals and groups of between two and five people, aged 18 or over and active in the fields of architecture, cultural heritage, design and fashion, literature, music, the performing arts and the visual arts.

What is it for?

Projects must be carried out with an international partner freely chosen by the applicant (an organisation or an individual) in another Creative Europe country and must meet at least two of the programme’s four objectives:

• explore: to conduct creative and artistic research, investigate, draw inspiration and work on a specific theme or a new concept;
• create: engage in a creative process aimed at producing a new design or creation;
• learn: strengthen skills and abilities through non-formal learning or collaboration with a specialist;
• connect: develop a professional network, further your professional development, and engage with new audiences.

Looking for inspiration to develop a project? Take a look at our suggestions.

What costs are covered?

For individual projects, the mobility period can last from 7 to 60 days. For group applications, the duration is limited to 7 to 21 days.

The grant awarded covers:

• living expenses (accommodation, food, equipment, local transport, etc.) up to €85 per day per person;
• travel costs (travel allowance): €400 or €800 depending on the distance;
• Bonus: Green mobility (€400), family support (€200 per child), visa (€120), accessibility (€30 per day).

Why does it matter?

Beyond financial support, Culture Moves Europe helps creatives expand their practice and careers internationally. According to programme results:

• 76% of beneficiaries reported that their mobility led to a job offer, a contract or a new project opportunity;
• nearly all participants reported acquiring new skills;
• 85% stated that they would not have been able to implement their project without the grant.

Representativity

Despite the strong relevance of the programme for design and fashion professionals, the design sector remains underrepresented among Culture Moves Europe beneficiaries. Belgium also accounts for a relatively small number of applicants, suggesting significant untapped potential for designers and fashion creatives looking to develop international collaborations and increase their visibility across Europe.

For designers and fashion brands based in Wallonia and Brussels, Culture Moves Europe is much more than a travel grant. It is an opportunity to test new ideas, expand international networks, discover new production and creative ecosystems, and build collaborations that can lead to future commissions, partnerships or market opportunities. With more than 7,200 supported professionals and 76% of beneficiaries reporting concrete professional opportunities after their mobility, the programme demonstrates how international exchange can become a powerful driver of creative development, innovation and career growth.

For fashion and design professionals looking to broaden their horizons and strengthen their European presence, Culture Moves Europe remains one of the most accessible and impactful EU opportunities available today.