SRSO Callias Foundation gemeinnützige GmbH
Budget
€15,000
EP Access
0
accredited persons
Staff
3
1.75 FTE
EU Grants
None
Mission & Goals
The Callias Foundation in Vienna fosters intercultural innovation in the field of classical music. We support the Callias Ensemble and the Silk Road Symphony Orchestra. We propose a unique narrative for Europe based on the concept of a « European Silk Road » , drawing together threads of artistic initiative and expression from across the Continent. We harness the power of digital innovation to reach out and draw in future audiences the world over by means of an interactive App. We invite creators, artists, and ordinary listeners to feed into this process and enrich the narrative, thereby contributing to our concert programmes both on-line and off-line. Our concerts are just one part of the foundation’s rich activity. We also stage “Callias Abende”, symposiums, round-table discussions, poetry readings. We are a publisher and music label, championing previously unheard voices and new forms of expression.
EU Legislative Interests
We see our role in bringing the necessary intensity into certain positive European ideas like the 'European Silk Road' (wiiw), 'The Silk Road Cultural Belt' in the context of the EU connectivity strategy and into EU legislative proposals like 'Creative Europe', 'Erasmus+' and 'Music Moves Europe'. Summary of Institutional Development 2025/2026 1. Official Recognition and Legal Standing The Callias Foundation is a registered non-profit organization in Vienna. The European Silk Road Cultural Fund (ESRCF), has been officially approved and integrated into the Foundation's legal framework following a formal ruling by the Austrian Tax Authority (Finanzamt Österreich) in 10/2025. This ruling confirms that the fund’s operations are fully compliant with the Foundation’s status as a charitable, tax-exempt organization (Spendenbegünstigung) under Austrian law. 2. Innovative Financing Model (Circular Philanthropy) Following a formal legal request and a subsequent notarized amendment to the Foundation’s Articles of Association, the Commercial Court (Handelsgericht) has officially authorized the ESRCF’s unique financing model. This model allows for a cost-contribution mechanism (0.1% - 10%) based on individual project agreements and General Terms and Conditions (GTC/AVB). These contributions are legally classified as service-related invoices for the maintenance of the ESRCF infrastructure (as a part of Callias Foundation) strictly within the ideational core of promotion of arts & culture and do not jeopardize the Foundation's non-profit status. 3. Governance and Transparency The ESRCF operates as an independent 'Think-and-Do-Tank' and financing instrument for cultural connectivity. Its project selection is governed by a rigorous 147-stage evaluation system, ensuring the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and merit-based funding. By reinvesting project-related contributions into the fund, the Callias Foundation ensures a sustainable and circular ecosystem for the 'European Silk Road' initiative, independent of fluctuating state budgets. 4. Strategic Alignment This development solidifies the Foundation’s role as an independent civil society actor contributing to the EU’s Global Gateway objectives and the Four Freedoms, while maintaining its unique focus on cultural innovation and the empowerment of 'unheard voices' through the ESR-App, the Silk Road Cultural Belt (SRCB) and the Silk Road Symphony Orchestra (SRSO)."
Communication Activities
Callias Foundation was invited for a EU-level dialogue between the European Commission and representatives of the European Music sector. Jan Moritz Onken participated on behalf of Callias Foundation at the 1st EU connectivity Forum in Brussels in September 2009. Jan Moritz Onken participated on behalf of Callias Foundation in a consultation with the European creative sector of the CULT Committee of the European Parliament. In October 2020 Callias Foundation participated in a consultation with EEAS and DEVCO to identify areas of common interest in external cultural relations and how to develop an idea like The Silk Road Cultural Belt together. Callias Foundation is a European Ambassador for innovation at creativeSHIFT funded by the European Union.
Interests Represented
Does not represent commercial interests
Member Of
Ein Beispiel von Partnerschaften finden Sie auf der Webseite der 'European Silk Road - App': www.europeansilkroad.app
Organisation Members
www.europeansilkroad.app BerlinHistory e.V.
Commissioner Meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.