The NEXO Programme is a European cultural mobility initiative promoted by ARTENARTE S.L. that facilitates the participation of artists, young people, cultural professionals, educational institutions, social organisations and public bodies in programmes funded by the European Union. Its purpose is to remove barriers to international opportunities by providing information, guidance and cooperation so that more people can take part in European projects.
For many years, thousands of people believed that European programmes were reserved exclusively for universities, large organisations or institutions with extensive international experience. The reality is quite different. Numerous programmes are open to associations, cultural companies, public administrations, educational institutions and individuals who wish to cooperate with partners across Europe. However, administrative complexity, lack of information and the difficulty of finding international partners remain significant obstacles.
The NEXO Programme was created precisely to solve this problem. It is not a funding programme itself but a platform that connects opportunities, people and organisations with the different funding instruments offered by the European Union.
What is the NEXO Programme?
The NEXO Programme as a bridge between Europe and its citizens
The NEXO Programme is a European cultural mobility programme specialised in creating connections between people, institutions and international projects.
Its mission is to facilitate participation in European initiatives related to:
- cultural mobility;
- artistic exchanges;
- international volunteering;
- training;
- organisational cooperation;
- cultural innovation;
- cultural heritage;
- creative entrepreneurship.
Rather than replacing existing European programmes, the NEXO Programme acts as a support structure that helps people understand them, access them and manage their participation successfully.
Why was the NEXO Programme created?
A challenge affecting thousands of people
Every year, Europe invests billions of euros in international cooperation programmes.
However, many opportunities never reach those who could benefit the most because of factors such as:
- lack of information;
- excessive bureaucracy;
- difficulty finding European partners;
- language barriers;
- limited international experience;
- insufficient practical guidance.
As a result, many artists, associations and small organisations never submit a project proposal.
The NEXO Programme aims to reduce this gap between European opportunities and the people interested in accessing them.
How does the NEXO Programme work?
The NEXO Programme working model
The NEXO Programme is built around four core pillars.
1. Information
It analyses European calls for proposals and explains who can participate, what the requirements are and what funding opportunities are available.
2. Connection
It connects organisations from different countries that are interested in working together.
3. Preparation
It supports project preparation, objective definition, consortium building and activity planning.
4. Mobility
It facilitates participation in exchanges, training courses, artistic residencies, international meetings and cultural mobility activities.
This model enables organisations with little international experience to progressively become involved in European projects.
Who funds the NEXO Programme?
Funding behind the NEXO Programme
It is important to distinguish between two different concepts.
The NEXO Programme does not provide grants directly.
Its role is to facilitate access to programmes financed by European public institutions.
These include:
- the European Commission;
- National Agencies across Member States;
- European public institutions;
- national and regional administrations managing European funds.
This means that participants may benefit from activities financed through official European programmes when their projects are approved.
More information about European initiatives is available through the official website of the European Commission.
Which European programmes can the NEXO Programme support?
European programmes connected to the NEXO Programme
The NEXO Programme focuses mainly on initiatives related to culture, youth, education and international cooperation.
Erasmus+
The European Union’s flagship programme for education, youth, vocational training and sport.
It supports:
- youth exchanges;
- staff mobility;
- cooperation partnerships;
- international training;
- non-formal learning.
Creative Europe
Supports international cultural and creative cooperation projects.
It covers:
- visual arts;
- cultural heritage;
- literature;
- music;
- performing arts;
- cooperation among cultural organisations.
European Solidarity Corps
Promotes volunteering and solidarity projects primarily aimed at young people.
Culture Moves Europe
Supports the international mobility of artists and cultural professionals.
Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values
Finances projects promoting European citizenship, democracy and civic participation.
Horizon Europe
Includes funding opportunities related to social innovation, cultural heritage and technological innovation in the cultural sector.
The NEXO Programme continuously monitors new European calls to identify the most suitable opportunities for each organisation.
Who can participate in the NEXO Programme?
Participants in the NEXO Programme
The NEXO Programme is designed for a wide variety of participants.
These include:
- Independent artists.
- Cultural associations.
- Cultural enterprises.
- Museums.
- Art galleries.
- Educational institutions.
- Municipal authorities.
- Universities.
- Young people.
- Cultural professionals.
- Cultural managers.
- Youth organisations.
- NGOs.
- Community groups.
- Social organisations.
Each funding call has its own eligibility criteria, so not every profile is suitable for every opportunity.
What are the benefits of the NEXO Programme?
Advantages of the NEXO Programme for artists and organisations
Participating in the NEXO Programme provides many advantages.
Professional development
International experiences strengthen knowledge and professional skills.
New partnerships
European cooperation helps build long-term international networks.
Greater visibility
European projects increase international recognition for artists and organisations.
Intercultural learning
Working with people from different countries encourages mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
Innovation
Sharing experiences generates new ideas and more effective working methods.
What challenges does the NEXO Programme solve?
Common barriers addressed by the NEXO Programme
Many organisations face similar obstacles.
Lack of information
European funding opportunities are often complex and scattered across different sources.
Administrative complexity
Bureaucratic procedures discourage many potential applicants.
Shortage of European partners
Without reliable international partners, developing competitive projects becomes difficult.
Language barriers
English remains a challenge for many organisations.
Limited experience
Many organisations mistakenly believe they need years of experience before participating.
The NEXO Programme helps overcome these barriers through guidance, networking and practical support.
The evolution of the NEXO Programme
How the NEXO Programme continues to evolve
The European funding landscape changes continuously.
Every year brings new priorities, new calls and new funding opportunities.
For this reason, the NEXO Programme constantly updates its approach to respond to:
- new cultural priorities;
- digital transformation;
- sustainability;
- social inclusion;
- international mobility;
- cross-border cooperation.
This continuous evolution ensures that opportunities remain aligned with the real needs of the cultural sector.
The NEXO Programme and the ARTERNATIVAS Project
The NEXO Programme as a complement to the ARTERNATIVAS Project
Internationalisation requires more than financial support.
It also demands visibility, communication and opportunities for long-term collaboration.
This is where the ARTERNATIVAS Project provides an effective solution.
While the NEXO Programme facilitates access to European opportunities, the ARTERNATIVAS Project offers a permanent platform where independent artists can showcase their work, connect with institutions, develop collaborative projects and expand their international presence without relying exclusively on the traditional gallery system.
Together, both initiatives contribute to building a more open, accessible and sustainable cultural ecosystem for independent creators.
Conclusions about the NEXO Programme
The future of the NEXO Programme
Europe offers exceptional opportunities for people and organisations wishing to cooperate beyond national borders. Nevertheless, many of these opportunities remain largely unknown or appear inaccessible because of administrative complexity.
The NEXO Programme was created to bridge this gap by facilitating access to cultural mobility, international exchanges and European cooperation through information, guidance and strategic partnerships.
However, participating in a European project is only one stage of a much broader journey. Once international experience has been gained, artists and organisations need a permanent platform to maintain their international activity, promote their achievements and continue building new collaborations.
In this context, the ARTERNATIVAS Project represents the natural continuation of this process by providing a lasting space where artists, organisations and institutions can strengthen their international networks, increase their visibility and consolidate their role within the European cultural ecosystem.
The ultimate objective is not simply to participate in a European project, but to build a strong, sustainable and internationally connected cultural career. The NEXO Programme and the ARTERNATIVAS Project work together to make this objective more accessible for everyone.
