The GrassrEUts project, an initiative aimed at fostering cultural collaboration across Europe, has successfully concluded, providing young musicians from the continent and neighboring regions with opportunities to perform at major international festivals. Launched in November 2024 with the backing of the European Union’s Creative Europe program, the project has been instrumental in promoting musical talents and facilitating international cooperation among artists.

Among the beneficiaries of this initiative were Serbian musicians Luke Black and Innēr Sense, who showcased their talents on international stages. Luke Black, known for representing Serbia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023, performed at the Sziget Festival in Hungary. Meanwhile, Innēr Sense, a multi-genre techno project from Belgrade, captivated audiences at the Jazz à Carthage festival in Tunisia. These performances were part of a broader effort to connect local music scenes and open new avenues for international collaboration.

The GrassrEUts project not only highlighted Serbian talent but also underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy in supporting artists from regions facing significant challenges. Notably, the project extended its support to Ukrainian artists through the Music Saves Ukraine initiative, enabling them to maintain their artistic endeavors despite the ongoing difficulties in their country.

The project was structured around a multi-phase music competition designed to discover and promote emerging artists. In 2025, national competitions were held across participating countries, with five promising performers from each nation selected to perform at one of the partner festivals. This unique model empowered audiences to play a crucial role in selecting the winners through their votes, which also allowed them to win festival tickets. The public was encouraged to propose ideas for enhancing inclusion and sustainability within the festival environment.

Throughout 2026, the selected artists had the opportunity to perform at international festivals within the project’s network. This exposure was invaluable for emerging musicians, offering them the chance to connect with new audiences and gain support for their career development. The EXIT Festival in Serbia, a key partner in the project, hosted performances by Luke Black, Naked, Tebra, Lanna, and Innēr Sense in 2025.

The GrassrEUts initiative also tackled issues of sustainability and inclusivity within the festival industry. The Norwegian KUN Center for Equality and Diversity played a pivotal role in this aspect of the project, contributing expertise and facilitating knowledge exchange in these areas.

The project brought together a diverse array of partners, including the EXIT Foundation and EXIT Festival from Serbia, Sziget Festival from Hungary, Everything Is New and NOS Alive from Portugal, Scoop Organisation and Jazz à Carthage from Tunisia, and the Ukrainian Association of Music Events. This collaboration created a platform for showcasing new artists and advancing international cultural cooperation.

The successful completion of the GrassrEUts project highlights the potential of cultural initiatives to bridge gaps and foster understanding across borders. By promoting musical talents and supporting artists from diverse backgrounds, the project has set a precedent for future collaborations aimed at enriching the cultural landscape of Europe and beyond.