Incubateur Happening is a European incubator designed for artists, creatives, and leaders of cultural projects who are committed to democratic values. Over a nine-month period, participants are supported within a dedicated European ecosystem to strengthen their organization, refine their strategy, and solidify their local impact while engaging within the European space. The program positions Europe as a tangible lever for project development.
Program Pillars
• Entrepreneurial Structuring: Strengthening the organization, business model, and strategy of cultural projects.
• Networking: Developing professional connections at local and European levels.
• European Cooperation: Building transnational partnerships and taking concrete action within the European space.
• Mobility: Meeting peers and discovering inspiring initiatives through European mobility opportunities.
• Ethics of Cultural Projects: Integrating democratic values, social responsibility, and environmental accountability into activity development.
Target Audience
The Happening program is aimed at young artists, art students, creatives, or leaders of emerging cultural projects who are committed to democratic values. The program is open to all disciplines, including performing arts (theater, music, dance, contemporary circus), cinematography, creative media (podcasts, audiovisual tools, author-driven formats), visual arts, and cultural production and management.
Selection Criteria
• Age: Between 20 and 35 years old.
• Location: Ideally based in the Ile-de-France region, but open to applicants from anywhere in France.
• Language: Comfortable working in English.
• Motivation: Motivated to engage in collective, reflective, and experimental processes.
• Mindset: Open to working in a diverse and international environment.
• Ambition: A desire to structure or develop a professional activity while embedding it within a European dynamic.
Program Logistics and Schedule
• Program Duration: 9 months of support, from September 2026 to May 2027.
• Application Opening: March 10, 2026.
• Application Deadline: May 1, 2026.
• Selection Interviews: Early June 2026.
• Program Start: September 2026.
• Location: The program is coordinated from Seine-Saint-Denis (93), with partners in Brussels and Palermo. All modules will be conducted online.
Cost and Funding
The program is offered free of charge to all participants, thanks to co-financing from the Erasmus+ program. No financial contribution is required; selection is based solely on motivation and commitment.
This initiative provides a structured pathway for emerging cultural professionals to enhance their entrepreneurial skills, expand their network across Europe, and integrate ethical considerations into their work. Interested individuals are encouraged to review the timeline and eligibility requirements for this unique development opportunity.