ELIA is the primary independent network organisation for higher arts education. With about 300 members in 47 countries, it represents some 300,000 students. ELIA advocates the arts on the European level, creating new opportunities for its members and facilitating the exchange of best practices.

Together with its member institutions, ELIA initiates conferences, symposia, publications and research projects, targeting all sectors of the higher arts education community – artists, teachers, leaders, managers and students – as well as the wider public.

Representing all disciplines in the arts, ELIA has established links with other discipline networks in Europe and worldwide.