In 1985, Jim and Anne Mills teamed with American songwriters Kirk and Deby Dearman to found 'Project Exalt!,' a performing arts company that organised events, seminars and tours across Europe.  In 1988, after 12 years in Germany, the Mills along with the Dearmans moved to Brussels, Belgium, to continue their European-wide initiative. The Dearmans' passion to encourage the church in the USA in incorporating artistic expression in their ministry of worship led them to return to the USA in 1990.

Summer Art Sessions

In 1990 the first 'Summer Arts Session' in cooperation with Emmanuel Fellowship in Ravensburg, Germany began offering workshops in dance, theatre and music.  Later the 'Next Generation Arts and Creativity’ seminars in Germany began offering arts workshops and worldview teaching.  "These workshops are taught by professional artists with the aim of introducing healthy role models to the next generation”  said Jim. "Our aim is to ignite the 'Next Generation' of talented young people with a vision that they can serve God's purposes through professional careers in the performing and fine arts."  

LIFE 2010 - Finland 

Creative Arts Europe

Parallel to the “Summer Arts Sessions” and the “Next Generation” seminars, the Mills travelled with small groups of dancers and other performing artists throughout Europe and the USA, modeling examples of professionals using their gifts in to express their faith. With the success of these performing arts tours, the Summer Arts Sessions and the Next Generation seminars, the Mills and staff in Germany took steps to broaden the scope and vision of Project Exalt!. Jim and Anne together with friends and associates, Henriette Markus and Heidi and Gerhard Auburger, Michael and Loreen Fajgel established Creative Arts Europe, a German arts and culture corporation in 1995.

The Brussels Arts House

In 1995, the first 'Arts House' was established near Brussels, Belgium with the vision to provide a refuge where artists are encouraged to pursue excellence in their lives and art. This renovated farmhouse became a gathering place for meetings for staff and international guests from around the world.  Today, this center serves as the European headquarters for Creative Arts Europe. Other Arts Houses have been established in Nürnberg, Germany and Bern, Switzerland.

Xaris Dance Company

Xaris Dance Company is a professional contemporary dance company, based in Germany with a growing reputation for exciting choreography that borrows from a variety of dance styles and tackles subjects from the humorous to the profound. The company was founded in 1996 by Jim and Anne Mills, directors of Creative Arts Europe, and was originally based near Brussels in Belgium. The company moved to its present home in Kassel, Germany, after the appointment of Loreen Fajgel  as artistic directo

r in 1997.

Today, Xaris is active in Germany and also in Finland under the direction of Titta Tunkkari.  In addition to the Spring Tour, Xaris receives a growing number of invitations to perform at festivals and other events throughout Europe and the USA.  Performances and workshops take place in schools, summer art camps and intensive training camps in Germany, Austria, Finland, and more recently in the United States. 

Creative Arts Europe Today

Today, CAE has activities across Europe including arts training seminars, artist gatherings, performing arts tours, exhibitions and cultural programs in Germany, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and Finland.  The aim of these training opportunities is to encourage the discovery, the skill development  and the benevolent use of creative arts for people across Europe.  During these training sessions, we focus on creativity, craftsmanship, character, and compassion. Our vision is to foster art in European culture that promotes reconciliation between peoples, urges regard for all human life,  cultivates an appreciation for truth & beauty, fosters moral excellence and awakens compassionate civil responsibility.       

Events for 2012