Project Exalt!
In 1985, Jim and Anne Mills teamed with American songwriters and musicians Kirk and Deby Dearman (Come to the Quiet.com) to found 'Project Exalt!', a performing arts company which organised camps and produced tours in Austria, Germany, Belgium and Holland. The organisation grew to offer weekend seminars on creativity and worship to churches and youth groups throughout central Europe. In 1988, the Mills and the Dearmans moved to Brussels 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 lead them to return to the USA two years later.

Summer Art Sessions
From their new headquarters in Brussels, the Mills pioneered the first 'Summer Arts Session' in co-operation with Emmanuel Gemeinschaft in Ravensburg, Germany. For several years, the Summer Arts Session offered training workshops in dance, theatre and music for up to 100 students from across Europe. Later, Jim & Anne launched the 'Next Generation for Jesus' Arts & Creativity seminars in both Berlin and Lichtenstein, Germany, where up to 300 teens attended five days of arts workshops, bible teaching and artists' testimonies.

"These workshops are taught by professional artists with the aim of introducing godly role models to the next generation as well as reconnecting these dedicated Christian artists to the church" said Jim. "One aim among many 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 in Europe."

Creative Arts Europe
Parallel to the Summer Arts Sessions and the Next Generation for Jesus seminars, the Mills travelled with small groups of dancers and other performing artists throughout Europe and the USA, modelling examples of professionals using their gifts in service to the church. With the success of these performing arts tours, the Summer Arts Sessions and the Next Generation for Jesus seminars, the Mills took steps to broaden the scope and vision of Project Exalt!. Their new initiative, Creative Arts Europe, was officially registered as a German arts & culture corporation in 1994.

The Brussels Arts House
Just one year later, the first 'Arts House' was established near Brussels, Belgium. The Brussels Arts House provides a refuge where artists are encouraged to pursue excellence in their lives and art. This centre serves as the European headquarters for Creative Arts Europe (CAE). Other Arts Houses have been established in Nürnberg, Germany and Bern, Switzerland.

The Xaris Project
Xaris Dance Company was formed in 1996 as another Creative Arts Europe initiative. This project-based, professional dance company tours throughout Europe, performing on both church and city stages. One of its aims is to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian relief efforts in Eastern and Western Europe.

National Arts Training Summer Programs
The influence of the Next Generation for Jesus seminars spread to Austria and Finland in the late 90's, where arts training conferences impact the lives of several hundred young aspiring artists each summer.

Creative Arts Europe Today
Currently, CAE has staff representation and activities in seven European countries. These are Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, and Switzerland. Arts training seminars, artist gatherings, performing arts tours, exhibitions and cultural programs continue to remain on the agenda for CAE throughout Europe.