The campaign focuses on two key EU programmes currently under negotiation: Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF). NEMO has previously reported how culture is disappearing from the Horizon Europe funding. Therefore, NEMO welcomes this campaign that advocates for a clearer and stronger role for culture within both Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund.
At its core, the campaign calls for action in three areas:
- Name: Culture should be explicitly recognised in programme structures, including in the title of a Horizon Europe policy window (“Culture and Global Societal Challenges”) and within the Competitiveness Fund.
- Place: Culture should have a dedicated structural component, including its own budget line, work programmes and funding calls, rather than being treated only as a horizontal priority.
- Fund: Increased financial support is requested, including €5 billion for culture and artistic research in Horizon Europe and €3 billion for culture and creative industries in the European Competitiveness Fund.
How museums can take part
Museums and cultural organisations can contribute by raising visibility and mobilising support.:
- Share and engage online to increase visibility of the campaign
- Contact national and European decision‑makers to express support
- Encourage partners and networks to join and amplify the message
A dedicated campaign info pack is available, providing templates, messaging guidance, visuals and contact information to support participation.
- Activities are encouraged in the coming weeks, with a campaign timeline running until 30 June 2026.
- Culture Action Europe also offers post suggestions on their website along with all other details.
Why it matters for museums
The outcome of current EU budget negotiations will shape the availability of funding for culture, research and innovation for the coming years. Ensuring that culture has a clear place, sufficient funding and proper recognition within these programmes is essential for supporting museums’ work in areas such as education, inclusion, sustainability and international cooperation.
NEMO encourages its members and the wider museum community to engage with the #NamePlaceFund campaign and contribute to ensuring that culture remains a visible and well‑supported priority in the EU’s future funding landscape. Along the same lines, NEMO also encourages signatories of a joint letter for stronger funding for culture in the proposed AgoraEU programme.
The campaign is coordinated by the Artistic Research Alliance, a coalition of major European cultural networks, together with MusicAIRE (MCA). Collectively, they represent around 1,200 institutions active in artistic research, cultural heritage and the broader cultural sector.
