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History and Values

ETC history and mission

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As the largest network of public theatres in Europe, the ETC has 61 European Members from 30 countries, reflecting the diversity of Europe’s vibrant cultural sector.

Founded in 1988, the ETC promotes European theatre as a vital platform for dialogue, democracy and interaction that responds to, reflects and engages with today’s diverse audiences and changing societies.

ETC fosters an inclusive notion of theatre that brings Europe’s social, linguistic and cultural heritage to audiences and communities in Europe and beyond. Powerful and professional ETC governance ensures that the network will thrive and grow, taking into consideration the latest trends and developments.

The ETC’s current three-year programme of activities, "TRANSFORMATIONS - Recharging European Theatres and Audiences in a Post-Covid World", offers our Member Theatres many opportunities and project possibilities. This comprehensive, groundbreaking programme is supported by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.

Our values

Read our Statutes, Our Charter, and the ETC Code of Conduct

ETC Code of Conduct

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Member Feedback

"Uncomplicated, personal and down to earth."

"Very active and productive. It is not a 'travel agency' as with some other organisations, but always comes with very interesting projects...I like the variety (green theatre, PR activities, playwriting"  

Anonymous reflections from our member theatres about what they value from ETC membership, made during evaluation sesssions in January and February 2021.

Watch a roundup of everything we achieved - and experimented with - over our last funding round, from 2017-2021!

Video by Marijana Verhoef and Jan Joost Verhoef

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About Us

An Artistic Platform for Creation,
Innovation & Collaboration

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Why Join ETC?


  • Meet and network with colleagues from other European theatres
  • Create international artistic collaborations
  • Get inspired by new ideas and shared best practices
  • Be represented at European and international level
  • Discover new contexts, cities and perspectives
Be part of the community: join Europe's network for public theatres!

Discover all your benefits as a member