The first call of the Transatlantic Stars Music Program invites mid-career EU songwriters and performers to take part in a two-week immersion into the American music ecosystem, from mid-May to early-June 2026. Selected artists will collaborate with U.S. musicians, write and perform new work together, and gain direct insight into how the American industry develops talent, supports creative production, and builds audiences.
Participants will begin in Philadelphia, in partnership with the Philadelphia Music Alliance, where they will take part in a focused series of collaborative songwriting workshops that pair EU and U.S. artists for meaningful creative exchange. Set within a city known for its music scene, this phase includes mentorship, studio sessions, and networking with producers, performers, and music business professionals, along with training on legal frameworks, rights management, touring, and other key elements of the industry.
The programme then moves into performances and community engagements across Philadelphia, where newly created work is shared with local audiences through partnerships with venues, schools, and cultural organisations. Educational visits, industry conversations, and structured networking complete the programme, offering a clear understanding of the American music landscape and perspectives that participants can carry forward in their own artistic practice.
The two-week programme culminates in Washington, D.C., where participants will join fellow Transatlantic Stars from the visual arts and film programmes for a public summit showcasing the work and perspectives developed during their time in the United States.
This opportunity is open to EU citizens, preferably residing in one of the 27 EU Member States, who hold a valid EU passport and are working songwriters or performers with a demonstrated track record of artistic achievement.
Each selected artist will receive international and domestic travel, visa assistance, accommodation, and meals for the duration of the programme.
