#DanceMattersEurope
3 November 2025Professional dance deserves recognition in European cultural policy
Aerowaves has joined forces with European Dance Development Network — EDN and Dance Festivals Network Europe to make contemporary dance visible in EU cultural policy. With the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034, negotiations, now is the moment to amplify our collective voice.
Picture: CARCAÇA by Marco da Silva Ferreira © Cláudia Crespo
What is MFF?
The MFF is the EU’s long-term budget, which determines the level of support available for culture, mobility, and the arts across Europe for several years. Ensuring that culture, performing arts, and dance are visible in the upcoming budget negotiations means securing recognition, resources, and sustainable opportunities for artists, organisations, and audiences alike.
What’s the Plan
Together, we are launching a coordinated campaign — #DanceMattersEurope — across our digital channels, advocacy actions and key European meetings and events to advocate for the value of the art of dance in society and its need for sustained public investment.
What More Can You Do?
You can support arts and culture in the next EU budget by endorsing Culture Action Europe’s Ask, Pay, Trust campaign. This is where the cultural sector unites to put arts and culture at the heart of changemaking.
You can complete the MFF survey by 25 November 2025, where the European Commission is gathering public feedback on its proposal.
By 1 December 2025, you can reach out to Members of the European Parliament to share recommendations on the future EU budget
Stay Tuned
This page is updated with #DanceMattersEurope initiatives as we mobilise to make contemporary dance visible in European public policy.
About the Partners
Dance Festivals Network Europe champions the unique and intrinsic value of dance in society. As a dynamic, project-driven network of dance festivals, it fosters partnerships that elevate the visibility of dance on both national and transnational levels. The network showcases dance’s power to connect and communicate across language and cultural boundaries, facilitating collaboration between sectors and encouraging cross-disciplinary experimentation and growth.
European Dance Development Network — EDN is a network of dance development organisations advocating for dedicated dance infrastructure across Europe. With 55 members in 29 countries in Europe, the network serves as a hub, mediator, and international connector. The network informs policy work, contributes to research, and facilitates knowledge sharing among dance organisations and their partners. As a member of the Performing Arts Coalition and Culture Networks Coordination Group, EDN represents the dance sector in Europe and advocates on its behalf.