ESNS have announced that ESNS Exchange, the platform dedicated to the internationalisation of European music for over 20 years, will be rebranded to ‘European Talent Exchange’ from the 1st of December 2024. The new name better reflects the continued mission to support cross-border collaboration and showcase emerging European artists globally.
Additionally, the ‘European Talent Exchange’ has secured funding for the next four years through the Creative Europe programme from the European Commission, allowing the vital work in promoting and supporting the European music ecosystem to continue.
Historically, European artists faced challenges in reaching international audiences. However, since its inception in 2003, European Talent Exchange, closely linked to ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag), has helped overcome these barriers by giving new and emerging European acts, including all artists performing at ESNS, better opportunities to pursue international careers. Over the past 20 years, the platform has pushed boundaries, facilitating the cross-border circulation of European artists and significantly contributing to their successful internationalisation.
Since its launch, the platform has supported over 2.000 artists from 36 countries, leading to more than 5.300 shows at 190 partner festivals in 44 countries. By facilitating bookings and generating extensive media exposure, European Talent Exchange continues to play a critical role in advancing the careers of European artists. In previous years, acts such as AURORA, Stromae, Christine and the Queens, Buraka Som Sistema, Fontaines D.C., Sigrid, Marina Satti & Fonés, Altin Gün, Priya Ragu, The Haunted Youth, The XX, Robyn, Tramhaus, Sam Smith, Hozier, Alyona Alyona, Viagra Boys, Zaho de Sagazan, freekind., Kaleo, Chalk, Fat Dog, among others, have performed at numerous festivals, using the European Talent Exchange programme to kick-start their European careers.
Building on its successes, European Talent Exchange is evolving to boost the European music ecosystem further. Between 2024 and 2027, the platform will focus on supporting emerging talent, education, enhancing live music sustainability, fostering diversity, and driving innovation.
A key addition is the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) joining the consortium, which will significantly increase artists’ visibility through expanded content creation and distribution.
As the coordinator, ESNS ensures alignment and collaboration among all platform members and partners. European Talent Exchange brings together 23 members and five associated partners, including 26 national music export offices, Yourope, and the EBU. Yourope, representing around 130 partner festivals, and the EBU, representing 31 national media partners, are central to the platform’s mission of supporting European artists in reaching new international audiences.
European Talent Exchange has recently added four renowned festivals to its platform consortium: India International Music Week, Safiko Festival, Galway International Arts Festival, and Arsenal Festival. These partnerships further strengthen our commitment to fostering cross-border talent exchange and enhancing opportunities for artists across Europe and beyond
