The ECA works for the interests of the professional artists in Europe – artists, writers and performers – and for cooperation between them. The founding of the ECA must be viewed in the light of the profound political, social, economic and technological developments currently taking place in Europe.

The ECA was officially established at its inaugural conference held at the European Film College in Ebeltoft, Denmark, in May 1995. The idea behind the ECA is to work with issues of common interest to professional artists at an interdisciplinary level.

Goals and objectives of the ECA

The framework of European cooperation has been set up in order to create a visible interdisciplinary presence for the professional artists and their organizations within the European arena, and to monitor changes in administration, financial matters, social practices and technology affecting the situation of professional artists.

The ECA is an effective forum for dialogue between professional artists, their representatives and the political decision-makers on a European level. Such a forum will strengthen the dialogue between the professional artists, politicians and the political institutions. As a result, the ECA will take on an active joint responsibility for the future cultural development in Europe.

The purpose of the ECA is to help professional artists influence European strategies concerning European artists, particularly their social and economic situation.