FilmEU, the European University dedicated to the cultural and creative industries, is thrilled to announce the allocation of €12.8 million in funding from the European Commission. This significant investment solidifies the European Union's dedicated support for the FilmEU Alliance, marking a pivotal moment in the advancement of arts and culture education across Europe.
Responding to the call by the European Commission to deepen, expand, and intensify existing cooperation, the FilmEU Alliance is delighted to welcome four new partners, thereby expanding from its original consortium of four institutions to a formidable group of eight leading Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Europe. The Alliance, led by Lusófona University from Portugal, includes original consortium members Luca School of Arts in Belgium, IADT - Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art Design and Technology in Ireland and TLU - Tallinn University, in Estonia and welcomes new members VŠMU - Academy of Performing Arts in Slovakia, LMTA - The Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, VIA University College in Denmark, and NATFA (National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts) - “Krustyo Sarafov” in Bulgaria. This enhanced partnership will consolidate the diverse expertise and disciplines represented within the cultural and creative industries, further strengthening Europe's position as a global leader in education, research, and innovation in cultural and creative industries domains.
FilmEU is an extraordinary initiative unlike any other in the field of arts and culture. It unites a consortium of four institutions that have now grown to eight partners. This European Alliance for Film and Media Arts will revolutionise higher education in the sector by fostering collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of ideas in the screen arts. With the backing of Erasmus and the European Universities program, FilmEU is bridging institutions and countries, fostering a metamorphosis of the tertiary sector throughout the member states.
In its initial phase, FilmEU achieved remarkable milestones. Now, with the infusion of €12.8 million, the alliance is poised to create a lasting impact. Over the next decade, FilmEU envisions building a significant educational framework that will shape the landscape of screen arts in Europe and beyond. This initiative will have far-reaching impacts, not only within the partner institutions but also across the cultural and creative sectors, influencing societal discourse on sustainability, inclusion, climate, research mobility, innovation, and digital transformation.
The core discipline of Film and Media, working alongside a diverse range of subject areas found throughout the participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), will benefit immensely from the programmatic approach of FilmEU. It will empower each partner to transcend their individual strengths, permeating external engagement and internal structures. FilmEU is not only shaping its own future but also preparing each member institution for the evolving national and European Higher Education sector. Much like the relationship between the EU itself and nation states, the EU Universities will coexist harmoniously with home institutions, creating a mutually beneficial environment for all stakeholders.
Film, as an integral part of our cultural milieu, serves as a powerful medium for sharing ideas, emotions, and knowledge. With the generous funding from the European Commission, FilmEU ensures that Europe can not only tell its own stories but also positions the creative industries at the forefront of economic and social prosperity. Moreover, FilmEU pushes the boundaries of research, innovation, and enterprise, leading the way in the age of imagination and fostering a virtuous society and economy.
FilmEU+ will build upon the success and achievements of the Alliance's previous efforts, exploring innovative models for sustainable cooperation between the participating HEIs. By consolidating complementary programs in filmic arts and related fields, FilmEU+ aims to elevate Europe's profile as a cutting-edge provider of education, research, and innovation in the cultural and creative industries.
FilmEU+ exemplifies the collaborative spirit of like-minded institutions with diverse cultural backgrounds. Embracing different approaches and cultures, the Alliance ensures that all voices are cherished and heard, particularly in the context of emerging technologies. By celebrating diversity, FilmEU+ offers an authentic and unique educational experience, promoting a broad spectrum of storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries.
With the European Commission's significant investment, the FilmEU European University Alliance is poised to shape the future of arts and culture education, foster innovation, and collaboration, and create a lasting impact across Europe's creative landscape.