Duct Tape and Dreams

2024 Application Round Closed Now!

Participate in this year's edition of the Duct Tape and Dreams mentorship program. We are particularly welcome grassroots youth-led initiatives in former European Capital Cities of Culture (ECoC) or ECOC candidate cities!

Programme details

In our vision, an emerging initiative is a young (two years or less) civic initiative that is operating in a repurposed building or space with a focus on creativity, arts, and culture along with a Do-It-Yourself / Do-It-Together approach.

An emerging initiative is expected to be in its preliminary phase but already attaining some level of self-sufficiency, though it may not be sustainable yet!

A tailored coaching from a peer organisation who has gone through the same process in the past and has similar interest
A possibility to have a curated workshop at your centre based on your needs
Travel support to visit the mentor’s centre to gain hands-on experience and knowledge
Visibility through a programme publication featuring all participants
Travel and accommodation support to attend TEH conference in with 350+ creatives
Access to a vibrant and diverse community of like-minded kick starters from across Europe and beyond
A possibility to win The Phillipe Grombeer Award!

Your application will be evaluated after the call is closed by the program’s selection committee. It includes five international experts selected among our member centres, our Executive Committee and the staff of our Coordination Office. We will announce the results after the call is closed.

If your cultural centre is one of the four lucky ones selected for 2024 edition of the mentorship program, you commit to:

Actively participate and engaged in the program.
Present your centre to TEH members during the next TEH conference in 2024.
Deliver a short-written evaluation about the process, including visual documentation.
Option to join Trans Europe Halles network as a full members or/associate.

Win the Award!

One of the perks of this programme is the possibility to win a money prize of 5000 euros, named after our beloved founder - Philippe Grombeer!

The Philippe Grombeer Award?

The Philippe Grombeer Award has been established in the memory of Philippe Grombeer, the founder of Trans Europe Halles and the Halles de Schaerbeek in Brussels.

The first edition of the award was launched in 2023 collaboratively by TEH and Les Halles de Schaerbeek.

Philippe Grombeer defined himself as “a cultural transmitter, a spur to cultural action”. He also possessed a rare gift in spotting and promoting young creatives troupes. With Trans Europe Halles turning 40 years old we would like to commemorate our wonderful founder and capture his spirit by offering this award to one young emerging cultural collective who is at the start of their journey and have successfully completed our Duct Tape and Dreams Programme.

The award includes

Financial support of 5000 EUR
Networking and promotion of your centre’s work
Free membership at Trans Europe Halles for two years
Mobility support to attend TEH Camp Meeting that year

Have a question?

Have a question about the programme or unsure how to apply? Then contact our Member Relations Manager!

Reach out!

What happened in the previous years?

Duct Tape and Dreams originated in 2017 and was originally called TEH Startup Support Programme. Its main purpose was to support emerging artistic collectives on the borders of Europe in the regions that might have less favorable environment for such initiatives to grow and develop. We have run this programme for four successful years and have supported 13 young creative collectives across Europe.