Transatlantic Rising Stars Project

About the Open Call

The Transatlantic Rising Stars Project, or “Transatlantic Stars” for short, is a three-year initiative funded by the European Union and led by the EU Delegation to the United States in Washington, D.C. It opens doors to the U.S. cultural landscape for European artists and welcomes American artists to co-create with European peers — advancing artistic development, fostering exchange, and building mutual success. Transatlantic Stars brings European talent to meet American artists, local communities, and industry leaders — encouraging co-creation and building lasting relationships. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, it contributes to a more connected transatlantic cultural space. These exchanges strengthen Europe’s cultural sector through new partnerships and perspectives, while giving American communities and artists opportunities to engage with diverse European voices, values, and approaches to practice. The project consists of three strands: One for visual artists, one for musicians and one for filmmakers. Each strand blends creative exploration with structured guidance, industry engagement, and opportunities to share work with the public. Selected artists join a cohort-and-alumni network designed to sustain connections, spark new projects, and open long-term opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic. Each year, Transatlantic Stars supports artists in three sectors through on-the-ground experiences in the United States. This call focuses on Visual Arts: Eight-week residencies rooted in communities across the United States, supporting new work and inviting audiences in through extensive public engagement. Artists Residency Program (April – Early June 2026) Call for Applications Now Open! Selected EU artists will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in new environments, collaborate with U.S.-based peers, and showcase their work to diverse audiences by joining one of five U.S. Artist Residency Programs for eight weeks in the spring of 2026 (April – early June). As members of the TRSP Artist Cohort, artists will receive dedicated support and engagement through monthly virtual gatherings with fellow embedded TRSP artists, as well as regular program check-ins, in addition to support from the hosting residency site. Residency dates will be confirmed with selected artists. Residency sites span a wide range of settings, including: a small fishing community on the Gulf of Alaska; a thriving Southern urban arts hub; a Midwestern prairie town (with an artist office in City Hall); a working ranch in the American West; and a millennia-old red-earth trading post that hosts one of the largest arts markets in the United States. The eight-week residency culminates in a trip to Washington, D.C., where each artist, together with their local collaborator and fellow TRSP participants from sister strands focusing on music and film, will participate in a public summit and exhibition showcasing their work/process developed during the residency. This opportunity is open to all citizens of EU Member States working in the visual arts sector who have a demonstrated record of creative work and are ready to engage with Americans. We welcome applications from artists interested in U.S.-based collaboration and exposure. If this aligns with your practice, we look forward to receiving your application to the TRSP Visual Artist-in-Residence Program.

What is Offered

Fully Funded Participation: Travel, accommodation, and core program costs covered, as well as offering artist stipends. Professional Growth: Mentorship, peer-to-peer collaboration, and learning tailored to each artist’s goals and discipline. Industry Access: Curated introductions to U.S. cultural networks, venues, and sector leaders. Visibility: Exhibition and presentation opportunities during artist residences, film festivals, and live performances, as well as digital promotion. Lasting Impact: New perspectives, relationships, and collaborations that strengthen artistic practice across the Atlantic. Each selected artist will be awarded airfare and visa assistance, on-site lodging and studio space, and access to host facilities, equipment, and community network. Artists will receive a living stipend for their time as well as a materials budget.

Requirements

Applicant Eligibility: EU Member State Citizen with a valid passport. Confirmation of no criminal background. Availability to travel to the U.S. for the program dates (April – early June 2026). Professional biography. Publicity-ready images, including one headshot (with no copyright restrictions). English proficiency (spoken and written). Artist CV. Responses to narrative questions. Artist Residency Eligibility: TRSP Artist Residency Program welcomes all visual arts mediums or arts disciplines with a strong visual component based in physical space (2D, 3D, 4D, and multi-disciplines welcome; No film, music, or writing). Each resident artist must produce at least one work to be exhibited in Washington, D.C., which may become part of a permanent travelling collection. Work samples: 5–7. Professional standing: Meet at least 3 of the 5 criteria below: Critical acclaim/industry recognition (awards, nominations, or fellowships). Media coverage (features, interviews, published/broadcast content). Residency experience (participation in at least 1–2 artist residencies). Professional experience (at least two professional exhibitions or presentations). Community engagement (collaboration with community entities, institutions, or municipalities). This program is for mid-career or established artists.

How to Apply

The application portal will be open from October 28 to November 30, 2025. Please see the Eligibility and Application Materials section for details, and use the link below to submit: [SUBMIT APPLICATION](https://airtable.com/appX9lLmlFH36pYk9/pagJP3rVzFtiWasCx/form)