Transatlantic Rising Stars Project (Music)

Please note that this call for applications is open until October 30, 2026. Applications will be capped at 300.  Stay tuned by subscribing to our mailing list. 

The second 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. 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 Cleveland, Ohio, a city with a rich musical heritage and a vibrant contemporary scene. Artists from the European Union will work collaboratively with American peers to co-create music and ultimately perform these new songs together. In addition to collaborative songwriting and performances, the music program will also include music business training (legal frameworks, rights management, touring, etc.), discussions with music industry professionals (agents, promoters, producers, etc.), educational site visits (museums, local music businesses, studios), community engagement activities (local performances with community partners such as schools, artist enclaves, etc.), and structured networking.

The program then moves into a reception and showcase performance in Cleveland, where newly created work is shared with local audiences through partnerships with venues, schools, and cultural organisations. The two-week program culminates in Washington, D.C., where participants will join fellow Transatlantic Stars from the visual arts and film programs for a public artist summit showcasing the work and perspectives developed during their time in the United States.

Each selected artist will receive international and domestic travel, visa assistance, accommodation, and meals for the duration of the program. 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, as well as peer equivalents who are residents of one of the following Ohio counties: Ashland, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, or Wayne. Applicants must have released original music and received recognition through national or international platforms such as festivals, showcases, touring, awards, or notable industry support.

We welcome applications from artists interested in exploring the U.S. and EU music industries, building transatlantic networks, strengthening creative exchange, and sharing their work with new audiences. If you are committed to your craft, open to exchange, and ready to expand your career by reaching wider international and transatlantic audiences, we look forward to receiving your application to the Transatlantic Stars Music Program.

Applications are open through October 30, 2026. Please see the Eligibility and Application Materials section for details, and use the link below to submit.

Eligibility and Application Materials

1. Applicant Eligibility

• EU Member State Citizen with a valid passport. Citizens of EU candidate countries are not eligible.
• US Citizen with a valid passport and a resident of one of the following Ohio counties: Ashland, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, or Wayne.
• Confirmation of no criminal background
• English proficiency (spoken and written)
• Availability to travel to the U.S. for the program dates (mid May – early June 2027)
• Performed at a qualifying music festival or major event in the EU within the past three years
• A minimum of 3 of the following criteria must be met to apply:
  • Critical Acclaim: Positive reviews, awards, or nominations from critics, industry bodies, or peers
  • Industry Awards: Receiving nominations or wins in recognized award ceremonies
  • Media Coverage: Features, interviews, or mentions in prominent music publications, broadcasts, or online platforms
  • Audience Reception: Popularity indicated by ticket sales, streaming numbers, chart positions, or dedicated fan base
  • Collaborations and Opportunities: Invitations to perform, record, or collaborate with well-known artists or institutions
  • Cultural Impact: Influence on music, contributing to trends or inspiring other artists
  • Experience: a minimum of five years of active professional work in music
  • Demonstration of a substantial body of work, either as albums produced or songs released 

2. Application Materials

• Artist biography
• Publicity-ready images, including one headshot (with no copyright restrictions)
• Links to live performances or studio recordings
• Responses to narrative questions in the application portal

How will musicians be selected?

Applications are first screened for eligibility and then evaluated against the selection criteria to create a shortlist. A jury of European and American music professionals will review shortlisted candidates and invite them to interviews to assess vision, communication skills, and overall fit for the program. The jury will then make final recommendations for five EU artists to participate. Applicants will be notified by email, and selected musicians will proceed to contracting.

How much does it cost to apply?

There is no application fee.

I’m just starting out as a professional artist. Can I apply?

This program is intended for mid-career artists who have performed at a qualifying music festival in the EU within the past three years (2024, 2025, 2026), or the American peer equivalent.

Can my manager attend with me, or can someone I have already worked with join me in applying?

Only the individual applicant may participate.

Do I need to perform primarily in English to apply?

No. Artists are not required to sing or write primarily in English. You should, however, be comfortable communicating in English, as the program involves close collaboration with American peers. Co-created work may naturally involve different languages or cultural references, and participants should be open to that exchange.

How will you ensure fair and equal access to artists from every EU country?

We are holding an open call for qualifying musicians who are citizens of EU Member States. Selection will follow a standardised scoring rubric, including independent reviewers for each application, conflict-of-interest checks, and a balanced jury of European and American music professionals. Final selections will be based solely on merit, in accordance with the published criteria. To ensure broad awareness, the call is promoted EU-wide through official channels and partner networks, with particular attention to visibility in smaller Member States.

Will I be notified if I am not selected?

Yes, all applicants will be informed as updates become available.

Is there an interview as part of the selection process?

Yes, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.

Who are the members of the jury?

The jury will consist of music professionals from both the European Union and the United States.

I'm an artist working in the visual arts or film industry. Can I apply for the current call?

This application is for songwriters and performers only. Visual artists and filmmakers are encouraged to apply for the appropriate strand.

Have questions about applying for the Music Program? Email the Transatlantic Stars Music Team at music@trsproject.eu.