Transatlantic Rising Stars Project
The Transatlantic Rising Stars Project, known as “Transatlantic Stars” (#RisingStars), is a three-year initiative of the European Union Delegation to the U.S. based in Washington, D.C. It opens doors to the U.S. cultural landscape for European artists and creates opportunities for American and European artists to work together hand-in-hand. Ultimately, the project aims to advance artistic development, foster dialogue, build community, and boost visual artists, musicians, and film makers on both sides of the Atlantic.
What is This Project All About?
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 programs: visual arts, film, and music. Each program 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.
Creative Fields in Focus
Each year, Transatlantic Stars supports artists in three sectors through on-the-ground experiences in the United States.
- Visual Arts: Eight-week residencies and collaborations with U.S. counterparts rooted in communities across the United States, supporting new work and inviting audiences in through extensive public engagement. A total of 6 artists will be selected and individually placed within existing residency programs.
- Film: A two-week exploration of the American film world for EU film directors. An intimate filmmaker retreat and showcase at the Berkshire International Film Festival, followed by a capstone immersion in Los Angeles, connecting filmmakers with peers, mentors, and the U.S. industry. A total of 5 film directors will be selected, who will experience the program as a group.
- Music: A two-week exploration of the American music landscape for EU musicians. Collaboration with U.S. peers in songwriting, recording, and live performance, alongside practical training and moments to share work with American audiences. A total of 5 artists will be selected to experience the program as a group.
What This Project Offers
- Fully Funded Participation: Travel, accommodation, and core program costs covered.
- 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.
VISUAL ART PROGRAM
This program welcomes applications from EU visual artists of all mediums interested in U.S.-based collaboration and opportunities to engage with diverse voices, ideas, and approaches to creative practice.
The European call for Visual Artists for the 2027 Global Artists Cohort is LIVE. The submissions portal opens October 12, 2026 and closes October 30.
FILM PROGRAM
This program welcomes applications from award-winning EU film directors interested in exploring the U.S. film industry, strengthening transatlantic creative exchange, and engaging American audiences through European storytelling.
The European call for Filmmakers for the 2027 Global Artists Cohort is LIVE. The submissions portal opens October 12, 2026 and closes October 30.
MUSIC PROGRAM
This program welcomes applications from mid-career EU songwriters and performers interested in exploring the U.S. music industry, co-creating new work with American artists, and sharing that music with U.S. audiences.
The European call for Music Artists for the 2027 Global Artists Cohort is LIVE. The submissions portal opens October 12, 2026 and closes October 30.
Get in Touch
Have a question about one of our programs?
You can reach the Visual Arts team at arts@trsproject.eu, the Film team at film@trsproject.eu, or the Music team at music@trsproject.eu.
For anything else related to Transatlantic Stars, just drop us an email at info@trsproject.eu. We’re always happy to hear from you.
And while you’re here, sign up to our mailing list to stay in the loop and be the first to hear about new calls, residencies, and artist exchanges.
Meet the Team
DANI PRADOS
VISUAL ARTS PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Born in Washington DC and originally destined to be a marine biologist, Dani Prados instead fell enthralled to the power of story and has designed, directed, and produced programs, theatre, film, television, performance, themed festivals, public art, multi-sensory installations, artist residencies, community events, games, and interactive transmedia in locations across the USA and around the globe. She designs systems, gathers seeds, and believes in the power of good data.
As so many in the arts and cultural sectors do, Prados wears a multitude of hats. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Minnesota Arts + Culture Coalition, as a Director of the Board for Upstream, and as Vice President Emeritus for the Granite Area Arts Council. Dani was the Founding Director of SquidFest - the only Squidfest in the Midwest - and GESAMTKUNSTWERK!, and served as the only Director of Programs for Artist Communities Alliance. She is honored to be the only non-Dakota artist on the Thipi K’in Artist Team, half of Irises + Iron, and the sole owner of Stone Soups LLC. She also maintains a robust and varied studio practice, and consults on systems-building and arts + cultural projects for a select roster of collaborators.
At the heart of Dani’s work is an evolving quest to harness art and storytelling in service of community and connection - a natural fit with Transatlantic Stars.
SEANNE WINSLOW
FILM PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Seanne Winslow is an award-winning writer, director, and producer whose work sits at the intersection of entertainment, cultural diplomacy, and leadership. Born in Germany to American parents and raised across Europe, she brings a naturally transatlantic perspective to her work. She wrote Netflix’s Nowhere, a global breakout hit, and directed The Falconer, the first feature ever shot entirely in Oman, which won 14 festival awards. She began her career at Lin Pictures (now Rideback), where she rose into senior creative leadership and executive produced The LEGO Movie, while also working across major studio films, including Sherlock Holmes and IT.
She is currently developing new film and series projects across the U.S. and Europe, including the psychological thriller series New Skin in the UK with Fremantle and Me+You Productions. She is Senior Entertainment Advisor to Resetting the Table and a Martha Beck–trained Wayfinder Coach, bringing narrative clarity and leadership insight to a select group of founders, executives, and creatives. She brings a filmmaker’s eye and a producer’s fluency in the American film ecosystem to Transatlantic Stars, championing European voices and supporting their connection to U.S. audiences and industry partners.
REV. MOOSE
MUSIC PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Rev. Moose is a highly accomplished music industry leader with experience in artist development, marketing, advocacy, non-profit management, and international program development. Through Marauder, he helps companies, organizations, and government entities develop strategies and in-person events that drive systemic change and foster growth within the independent music sector. Moose is the founding and emeritus executive director of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and National Independent Venue Foundation (NIVF). In 2018, he brought Independent Venue Week, the esteemed series that spotlights locally owned and operated performance spaces, to the U.S. market. Before founding Marauder in 2015, he expanded The Syndicate’s international reach and developed CMJ’s initiatives, working with foreign music export bodies. He has earned recognition from the Clio Awards (Clio Music Impact 2021), the Association of Performing Arts Professionals (Outstanding Advocacy on Behalf of the Performing Arts 2021), and A2IM (Humanitarian 2021 & 2022; Independent Champion 2025).
KEY DATES
September 15: Full Application Materials Available - Everything you need to craft your application.
October 12: Submissions Portal Opens - Please note that only the first 300 applications will be accepted, so submit early!
October 30: Submissions Portal Closes at 11:59 PM CET.
November-December: Application Review by an independent jury of experts in visual arts, film, and music
February 2027: Artist Selection Announcement
April 2027: Visual Arts Program kicks off in the U.S.
May 2027: Film and Music Programs kick off in the U.S.
June 2027: All three programs come together for a final showcase in Washington, D.C.