Endorse our Recommendations for FP10

Leaping Beyond the Now:
Endorse our Recommendations for Future EU Research and Innovation Funding (FP10) that Embeds the Arts

This is a crucial time for higher education and research in the European Union (EU). Why? Against the backdrop of (geo)political instabilities, EU institutions and member states are currently negotiating their long-term budget for the period 2028-2034. The outcome of these negotiations will decide the future of Framework Programme 10 (FP10), the European Union’s research and innovation funding programme.  

Many higher arts education and research institutions currently benefit from EU funding for research and innovation (through Horizon Europe).  

At ELIA we are highly concerned about the status of the negotiations, as the very existence of a standalone and dedicated EU funding programme for research and innovation is at risk. To ensure our position is heard, research communities across disciplinary boundaries need to stand together and advocate for the continuation of FP10. It is vital to ensuring Europe’s research and innovation ecosystem remains globally competitive, socially responsible, and resilient for years to come.  

Additionally, having a strong voice in this debate not only serves to emphasise the value of the arts, but also the importance to secure funding for the arts. It is key for higher education and research institutions that EU funding instruments for research and innovation recognise the arts as a knowledge domain and support excellence in artistic research. The arts should be integrated within inter- and transdisciplinary contexts. FP10 must support the competitiveness, long-term resilience, and innovation of the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI).  

On behalf of the higher arts education and research community and our partners in the CCSI, we urge the European Commission to integrate our recommendations outlined in the paper: ‘Leaping Beyond the Now: A Vision for Research and Innovation Embedding the Arts’, into FP10.  

ENDORSE THE CAMPAIGN

What we want for FP10: 

▪️Support for Higher Education and Research as a Pillar of European Democracy  
Dedicated EU funding for research and innovation (FP10) for 2028-2034 is needed to support higher education and research institutions, which not only ensure competitiveness but, more importantly, are at the heart of free and democratic societies.  

▪️Recognition of the Arts as a Knowledge Domain 
The arts offer unique ways of knowing and understanding the world—enriching knowledge systems and contributing meaningfully to research and innovation. FP10 should leverage this potential.  

▪️Funding for Excellence in Artistic Research  
Artistic research creates room for deep exploration of the role of arts in society—where questioning, experimentation, and disruption lead to fresh insights and intrinsic value. FP10 should support access to funding by artistic research projects.  

▪️Nurturing Innovation in the Cultural and Creative Sectors and Industries (CCSI) 
The CCSI bring vital energy to innovation—shaping ideas, tools, and experiences that resonate across society.  FP10 should provide means for the CCSI to remain resilient, enriching the fabric of societies and fulfilling their economic potential.  

▪️Addressing Societal Challenges through Artistic and Transdisciplinary Approaches 
The arts play a vital role in engaging with today’s most pressing challenges—fostering participation and co-creation, transformation, and innovative forms of problem-solving across disciplines. 

We call on higher arts education institutions along with our project partners and colleague networks to read: ‘Leaping Beyond the Now: A Vision for Research and Innovation Embedding the Arts’ and endorse this campaign to ensure that our FP10 recommendations become a reality. 

View a list of institutions and organisations who have endorsed this campaign to date>

*Please note this list is updated daily.