Through the Sustainable-EEEMERGING (S-EEE) programme, two recent workshops explored both sides of mobility:
👉 Session on mobility information points with Sebastian Hoffmann
👉 Workshop on mobility and mobility funding with Helena De Winter
What “Mobility” Really Means
Here’s the definition from On the Move: “Mobility is a central component of the professional trajectory of artists and culture professionals. Involving a temporary cross-border movement, often for educational, capacity-building, networking, or working purposes, it may have tangible or intangible outputs in the short term, and/or be part of a long-term professional development process.
Mobility is a conscious process, and those involved in it, whether by directly engaging in it or by supporting it, should take into consideration its cultural, social, political, environmental, ethical and economic implications.”
It can include:
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Concerts and tours
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Research trips or residencies
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Masterclasses and training
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Teaching or mentoring abroad
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Auditions, conferences, or competitions
Mobility helps you grow artistically, build networks, and reach new audiences.
But it also involves paperwork, funding, and logistics that every professional musician should understand.
The Practical Side: Working Across Borders
Presented by Sebastian Hoffmann (Touring Artists, Germany), the first session introduced the network of Mobility Information Points (MIPs), covering the administrative side of working abroad.
What Are Mobility Information Points?
MIPs operate in many European countries (France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Portugal…). They offer:
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Free consultations on visas, tax, and insurance
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Online legal resources in English
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Workshops and advice for artists and cultural professionals
👉 Find your local MIP on On the Move.
Visas & Work Permits
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EU & Swiss citizens can work freely within the EU, Switzerland, and the EEA.
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Non-EU residents may need special permits, each country has its own artist exemptions.
Always check national rules before performing abroad.
Income Tax & Double Taxation
If you’re paid abroad, you might face withholding tax. To avoid double taxation:
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Check for bilateral tax agreements.
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Request a Certificate of Tax Residence from your tax office.
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Ask the organiser for a Certificate of Tax Deduction.
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Declare everything at home for a tax credit.
Some countries (like the Netherlands or Denmark) don’t tax foreign performers; others (like Germany) apply small-fee exemptions.
VAT (Value Added Tax)
In the EU, VAT is usually due where the buyer is based (reverse charge system).
Even non-profit ensembles may count as “businesses” when invoicing. Check local rules or ask your MIP.
Social Insurance
You can only be insured in one country at a time.
If your work abroad is temporary, get an A1 Certificate: proof that you remain covered by your home system.
It prevents double contributions and simplifies admin, especially in France.
Customs & Instruments
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Inside the EU: no customs formalities.
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Outside the EU: use an ATA Carnet for instruments or equipment.
It allows temporary export without paying duties and avoids border hassles.
The Opportunity Side: Funding Your Mobility
The second S-EEE workshop focused on how to make mobility financially possible, exploring grants, EU programs, and smart project planning.
Key Resources
On the Move (offers free guides and calls for mobility funding by country, artist residencies and exchanges & cultural policy research)
National & Regional Funds: Many ministries and cultural agencies offer mobility support (e.g. Institut Français, Goethe-Institut, Pro Helvetia, CNM). These can cover travel, residencies, or networking events.
EU Programs for Artists
Several EU schemes can support your career, but the most accessible one for individuals is Culture Moves Europe.
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Who: Individual artists or small groups (≤ 5 people)
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Where: EU & Creative Europe countries (except UK)
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When: Rolling call open until April 30th 2026
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Duration:
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Individuals — 7–60 days
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Groups — 7–21 days
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Funding:
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Travel allowance €400–€800
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Daily allowance €85/day
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Top-ups for green travel, family, visas, or accessibility
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💡 It’s not for concert tours: your project must involve research, creation, learning, or collaboration with a host organisation abroad.
📝 Writing a Strong Application, the best tips!
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Be clear and concise: help the evaluators that have little time to assess your application
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Explain why this mobility is essential for your growth.
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Show how it’s realistic: contacts made, schedule, goals.
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You can use AI tools for editing, but the ideas must be your own.
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Reuse and refine applications: practice builds success.
Should you wait for funding before starting a project? Not necessarily.
The best approach is to develop strong ideas and seek funding proactively, without letting bureaucracy stop your creativity.
Every application, even an unsuccessful one, strengthens your professional path.
Mobility is at the heart of early music, rediscovering heritage, meeting audiences, and sharing knowledge across borders.
Understanding the administrative and financial side of your art empowers you to create with greater freedom, fairness, and sustainability.