Larp with Erasmus: A Quantitative Study of Live Action Roleplay Projects Funded by EUs Erasmus+ Program Between 2014-2022

Abstract: 

As live action role-play (larp) has grown in popularity and is being implemented in a wide range of domains, it has also started getting attention from policy makers. During the last decade, the EU has funded many larp-related projects, in particular through its Erasmus+ program. Erasmus+ is an important channel for EU policymaking with sought impacts on
cultural enhancement and the fostering of an EU identity.

This quantitative study presents and analyzes a database of 111 larp related projects that have received funding from Erasmus+ between 2014-2022. The results show that 5,770,000 euros in funding were granted in total, with a moderate positive trend over time. Project coordinators originated from 22 different EU countries, and the funding distribution is uneven, with Poland, Estonia and Denmark being among countries receiving the most grants. While some projects focus on developing larp as a practice, the vast majority (89.9%) use larp as a tool to pursue other policy values, with some of the most common being tolerance, migration, democracy, and employability.

This study showcases how the EU gives substantial funding to larp related projects through Erasmus+. The study is relevant as funding and policy making affects the larp community, and also points towards how the larp community, through these projects, also affect the EU on a policy making level. This study can help inform both larp organisations and larp researchers by providing the first quantitative analysis of larp funding and projects financed through the EU.