IADT Celebrates €12.8 Million Funding for FilmEU European University Alliance

This substantial investment signifies a resounding vote of confidence in the cultural and creative industries, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to supporting the only European University dedicated to this field.
As a proud partner of the FilmEU Alliance, IADT welcomes this funding as a strong endorsement of our collective efforts in arts and culture education. The FilmEU European University Alliance is not merely a project; it represents a ground-breaking collaboration that transcends traditional boundaries. With the expansion from the original four to eight partners, each institution within FilmEU embraces this European Alliance for Film and Media Arts, fostering an unparalleled higher education initiative within Europe’s cultural sector.


Having achieved remarkable milestones in the initial phase, IADT and the FilmEU Alliance now set their sights on a grand vision for the next decade. We aspire to build something truly significant – an enduring legacy that will shape the education landscape for screen arts not only in Europe but also beyond its borders. With the generous support of the European Commission, FilmEU will have a transformative impact, reaching across our institutions, the cultural and creative sectors, and society at large. Themes such as sustainability, inclusion, research mobility, innovation, and digital transformation will be at the forefront of our endeavours, fostering an integrated approach to education and empowering each partner institution.
Film is a vital and integral part of our cultural fabric, enabling us to share stories, emotions, and knowledge. Thanks to the backing of the European Commission, FilmEU ensures that Europe’s diverse narratives are celebrated and brought to life. Moreover, we passionately believe that the creative industries play a pivotal role in driving economic and social prosperity. Through FilmEU, we aim to push the boundaries of research, innovation, and enterprise, harnessing the power of film and media arts to create a brighter future for all.
In response to the European Commission’s call for intensified cooperation, the FilmEU Alliance has grown to encompass eight esteemed Higher Education Institutions from across Europe. IADT – Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology stands alongside Lusófona University (Portugal), Luca School of Arts (Belgium), Tallinn University (Estonia), VŠMU – Academy of Performing Arts (Slovakia), LMTA – The Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, VIA University College (Denmark), and NATFA (National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts) – “Krustyo Sarafov” (Bulgaria). This expanded alliance fortifies our collective strength, reinforcing Europe’s position as a global leader in education, research, and innovation in the cultural and creative fields.
In addition to the funding received from the European Commission, the FilmEU European University Alliance has secured significant support from the Irish Government. IADT is grateful to the HEA (Higher Education Authority) and the Department Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for their commitment to the success of this endeavour. This dual funding approach demonstrates the strong commitment of both European and national authorities to the development of arts and culture education and reinforces the importance of our collaborative efforts in shaping the future of the cultural and creative industries in our country and across Europe.
IADT is honoured to be part of the FilmEU European University Alliance and looks forward to embarking on this transformative journey together with our esteemed partners.
David Smith, President IADT: “The FilmEU Alliance is unlike any other initiative in the field of arts and media education. With our expanded partnership, we are now poised to create a significant and lasting impact on the education landscape for screen arts in Ireland, Europe and beyond.”
Rónán Ó’Muirthile, Head of Faculty of Film, Arts and Creative Technology: “FilmEU represents a transformative opportunity for our institutions and the cultural and creative sectors. This funding enables us to address important themes such as sustainability, inclusion, and digital transformation, while fostering research mobility and innovation.”
Barry Dignam, Head of European Projects: “Film is an integral part of our cultural heritage, and through FilmEU, we ensure that Europe’s diverse narratives are celebrated and shared. This funding from the European Commission strengthens our ability to promote education, creativity, and entrepreneurship in the film and media arts.”
For FilmEU inquiries, please contact:
Barry Dignam Head of European Projects, IADT
Barry.dignam@iadt.ie
+353 1 239 4452
For Media inquiries, please contact
Ruth Barry Marketing Manager, IADT
Ruth Barry@iadt.ie
+353 1 239 4886