Trans Europe Halles: 2023 in review

From 1983 all the way to 2023: 40 Years of TEH.

Back in 1983, Philippe Grombeer and 6 cultural visionaries gathered in Brussels to create a network uniting independent cultural centers across Europe. Trans Europe Halles was born. Driven by grassroots activism, creativity and mutual support, they aimed to transform communities through art & culture. In 2023, we celebrated TEH’s 40-years-long legacy of fostering positive social change.

Stronger Together: the Power of the TEH Community.

Being a TEH member means becoming part of a dynamic, like-minded family of grassroots cultural activists. It's about connecting, collaborating and supporting each other to amplify our impact. In 2023, our network grew to 165 members, each contributing to a thriving, interconnected and resilient cultural ecosystem. Together, we are Trans Europe Halles.

Expanding Horizons: New Members in 2023.

In 2023, TEH adopted a structured approach to welcoming new members, with a specific application timeframe. By year-end, we added 17 cultural centers from diverse backgrounds, enriching our TEH family. Now, members can apply by the end of each year, with the campaign running for a couple of months. With new members joining each year, our network continues to grow richer and more varied.

A Global Network: 43 Countries Strong.

By the end of 2023, TEH proudly represented 43 countries, with new members joining us from Italy, Belgium, France, Czech Republic, Croatia, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Romania, Germany, Finland and Sweden. In 2023, we also embarked on collaborations with new partners and members based outside of Europe, marking our organic evolution from a European network to an international movement.

Collaborative Spirit: Projects & Priorities in 2023.

TEH thrived on international collaboration in 2023, running 13 projects that engaged 72+ of our members. With support from Creative Europe, Erasmus+, ESC, Region Skåne & many others, we focused on our priorities: youth, spatial & social justice, diversity & inclusion, sustainability & green transition, democracy & solidarity, as well as TEH network well-being: capacity-building, exchange and mental health support for TEH network.

Rhizomatic Growth: TEH Hubs in Action.

In response to diverse challenges, TEH members formed decentralized subgroups, akin to a rhizome, called TEH Hubs. By 2023, these geographic and thematic hubs grew significantly. TEH ended the year with 8 active TEH Hubs (4 georgaphical & 4 thematic), 5 funded with project grants. This decentralized approach enriches our network with depth & diversity, mirroring the interconnected growth of rhizomatic roots.

Annual Gatherings: Celebrating TEH together.

Every year, TEH hosts two major events at a member center. In late spring of 2023, Moritzbastei and HALLE14 in Leipzig (Germany) welcomed around 400 attendees for the TEH Conference. In early fall, Fabrika in Tbilisi (Georgia) hosted approximately 200 participants for the TEH Camp Meeting. These gatherings are the heartbeat of our TEH network.

Financial Growth: Driving Greater Impact.

In 2023, TEH secured over 1 million EUR in grants from donors, a 32% boost from 2022. Plus, 6% of our funds came from membership fees. The funding helps us cover project costs, support 11 full-time employees & 2 volunteers, and manage expenses for admin, communications, events & advocacy visits. Our financial growth fuels our collective efforts and strengthens our mission.

Reaching Far and Wide: Our Audience in 2023.

TEH’s activities in 2023 resonated with over 55,000 people across our social media and communication channels. Our message is clear, our reach broad, and our community ever-growing. Together, we dream, we believe, we plan. Together, we transform. Together, we regenerate communities, neighbourhoods and cities. Together, we are Trans Europe Halles!