Philadelphia to Host Creative Collaboration Between EU and US Artists

Philadelphia will host the first edition of the European Union’s Transatlantic Stars Music Program from May 26 to June 7.

Why it matters:

• The initiative brings together 10 songwriters and performers from Europe and the US for a two-week creative collaboration tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

• The program features five EU artists – Citron Sucré (France), Diana Ezerex (Germany), JJ Paulo (Denmark), LEFT. (Portugal), and Ruth Koleva (Bulgaria) – alongside American artists Black Buttafly, Brittany Luna of Catbite, Charlie Hall of The War On Drugs, Khemist Mayfield, and Laurin Talease.

• The participants were chosen by a jury from both sides of the Atlantic.

• The European artists were selected for the originality of their work and potential to build something new through transatlantic collaboration; the US performers to represent the cultural richness of the host city and their readiness to make the most of the multinational program.

The program:

• The participants will collaborate in studio sessions, mentorships and workshops covering industry topics such as touring, audience growth and rights management.

• The Philadelphia Music Alliance will serve as the local host partner, with additional support from Drexel University, WXPN, Rock Lititz, and the City of Philadelphia.

Performance:

• The Philadelphia leg of the program closes with a reception and showcase on June 3, at which the performers will share the work created together during their time in the city.

• The artists then travel to Washington, D.C. to join fellow Transatlantic Stars from the visual arts and film programs for the EU Delegation’s annual State of the Arts Night.

What they said:

• Jovita Neliupšienė, EU Ambassador to the US: “A song can travel farther than any speech. Bringing musicians from the EU and the US together is a powerful way to honor America as we come to its 250th birthday and showcasing their collaborations in Philadelphia, America’s historic birthplace, is especially meaningful.”