the souldemocracyof

democracyof

Strengtheningdemocracy, humanrights and the rule

of law implies promoting

a relationship with culture.

With its close links tothe values on which

Europe was founded,culture plays a

part in forging a Europe of solidarity

and shared standards.

This vital role of culture has

expanded steadilywith a recognition

of its importance in fostering processes

of democracy.

Different forms ofcultural expression,

traditional andcontemporary, help

interpret social realitiesthat are increasingly

marked by globalisation,interdependence

and diversity.

The Council of Europe’s cultural and heritage policies receive regular encouragement from Europe’s political leaders, as exemplified by the Action Plan adopted at the 3rd Summit of Heads of State and Government, in 2005.These policies concernactivities intended to:

manage diversity in a democratic way and support creative expression;ensure that living heritage is passed on;facilitate co-operation between European countries and help to integrate member states into the practice of European democracy;contribute to sustainable local development and the development of creative industries and the information society.

It is ultimately throughintercultural dialogue and action thatresponses can be foundto increasingly complexinternational issues.

3

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is at the heart

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Culture

S TA K E S E X E M P L A R Y A C T I O N S

Striving for a diverseand integratedEuropean society

Identity draws uponmany sources of ourhistory and heritage;it constantly shifts andgrows richer throughcontact with othersand the intermixingof different cultures.

Europe’s commonheritage brings together ideas and people who interact and create a sense of multiple belonging.

Giving prominence to our heritage

States have agreed to conventions to protect cultural and natural heritage.These conventions provide a common framework of action for policy makers responsible for safeguarding and enhancing heritage. The Council of Europe sets standards and monitors their application. Examples: Architectural Heritage (Granada, 1985); Archaeological Heritage (Valletta, 1992); Landscape (Florence,2000); Cultural Heritage (Faro, 2005).

European Heritage Days are an event run jointly with the European Union to provide an opportunity for the public to celebrate the shared heritage of states, regions and cities.

The HEREIN* Network is a tool for specialists, policy makers and the general public, providing information about policies and practical approaches in the heritage sectors of Council of Europe member states.**

Europeans have access to expert studies and exchange forums.The “Shared Heritage Forum” explores heritageinterpretation methods in multicultural societies.

*HEREIN=EuropeanHeritageNetwork **http://www.European-heritage.net

inUniteddiversity

Striving for a pluralisticand democratic Europe

As well as presenting atrue political challenge,diversity is a driving force for change in society.Culture in all its formsplays a major role in achieving democracy in societies increasingly marked by diversity.

The Council of Europedraws up new policiesto foster the democratic management of cultural diversity, including how this relates to the creative economy and cultural industries, and of biodiversity.

Pursuing cultural diversityand biodiversity policies

Conventions and numerous declarations bearwitness to the Council of Europe’s commitments.The Bern Convention (1979) advocates the conservationof European wildlife and natural habitats.The Council of Europe Declaration on Cultural Diversity(2000) and the support offered at European level to theUNESCO* Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2001)and to the Convention on the Protection and Promotionof the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005) are evidence of commitment to natural and cultural diversity.

Innovative activities are initiated to create new models for the democratic management of diversity.The Council of Europe is involved at local levelthrough a project addressing intercultural governance.

The “Compendium”is an information and monitoring system offering an interactive tool.This system provides a database of policies and good practice.It allows for comparative studies on diversity, systematic monitoring of cultural policies in 40 countries, communication viathe Web, and a network for exchanges of practical experience.**

S TA K E S E X E M P L A R Y A C T I O N S

*UNESCO:UnitedNationsEducational,ScientificandCulturalOrganization **www.culturalpolicies.net

for democracy

Usingdiversity

as a force

Striving for a Europewithout dividing lines

In a world wherecultural, ethnic andreligious conflictsare a constantthreat to peaceand development,the Council ofEurope promotesan interculturalapproach. Its actionis based on Europe’sfounding values,favouring dialogue based on equality, mutualrecognition andnon-discrimination.

Promoting openness to others

Wide consultation will result in a white papersumming up the Organisation’s positionon intercultural dialogue.This document, to be published in 2007, presents the Councilof Europe’s conceptual work and proposals for action in this key area.

Projects promote interculturaldialogue in urban environments.This extends to diversity policies and practices pursued inpartnership with some of Europe’s major cities.

Priority is given to co-operation with key partners.Together with UNESCO, ALF,* ALECSO** and NGOs, the Council of Europe carries out a range of practical activities.

Analysis, reflection and discussionaccompany Council of Europe cultural programmes.The database on policies and good practice on interculturaldialogue is a source of information for policy makers and the public. Forums for specialists take place on a regular basis.

*ALF:AnnaLindhEuro-MediterraneanFoundationfortheDialoguebetweenCultures **ALECSO:ArabLeagueEducational,CulturalandScientificOrganization

S TA K E S E X E M P L A R Y A C T I O N S

peaceWorking

forand

Striving for a Europeof participationand creativity

The UniversalDeclaration ofHuman Rights encompasses culturalrights, which invitesparticipation in cultural life in all societies.Such participation fosters the exerciseof active citizenshipand promotessocial cohesion.

Promoting better cultural governance

International conventions underpinthe rights of citizens to participate.The Faro Framework Convention on the Value of CulturalHeritage for Society offers a commitment to public participationin the identification and protection of heritage.

Cultural initiatives take place on a European scale.The Council of Europe cultural routes, exhibitions and events invite the general public to become involved. Eurimages providessupport for the co-production and distribution of European films.

Targeted studies provide policymakers with insights and new ideas.Studies and publications relating to issues of access to culture, cultural provision and citizenship, in addition to the data collected on cultural participation in the various countriesof Europe, help to optimise access to culture for all citizens.

S TA K E S E X E M P L A R Y A C T I O N S

for all

Guaranteeingaccess

to

Striving forsustainableand democraticdevelopment in Europe

Democratisationand sustainabledevelopment areinextricably linked withcultural development andcultural policy, which affects all sectors of society.

The Council of Europehas pursuedbalanced policiesintegrating all thecountries of central and easternEurope, often usingcultural co-operationas a starting point.

Offering assistance,evaluation and co-operation

Long-term assistance is given to countries.This is geared to their need to modernise cultural governance. In addition, national and sectoral evaluations of cultural policies support practical reform projects and legislative reform.

Multilateral co-operation programmes are created.These enable lasting links to be established between European countries (Regional Programmes for Cultural and Natural Heritage in South-East Europe).Programmes involve the training of specialists, administrativestaff, heritage managers and policy makers, and set up networks of cultural development agencies.

Reference handbooks are published and distributed.As well as raising awareness among policy makersand the public at large, these set down heritageprotection guidelines and technical standards.

A project on sustainable development throughculture has been started in the countries ofthe Southern Caucasus, among others.The countries concerned are Armenia, Azerbaijan andGeorgia, as well as Ukraine and Moldova (Kyiv Initiative).This is a long-term, multifaceted project relatingto culture and cultural and natural heritage.

S TA K E S E X E M P L A R Y A C T I O N S

democracy

Buildingon

to consolidate

The diversity of filmand audiovisual projects is a vital means of reflectinga democratic Europe

Supporting creativity helps us to better understand our heritage and pass on a rich European cultural legacy to future generations.

The Council of Europe assists the audiovisual sector with standards and guidelines, offers financial support to film production, and provides key information about the audiovisual industry.

Encouraging a rich audiovisual space

Audiovisual conventionsThe European Convention on Cinematographic Co-Production (1992) and the European Convention for the Protection of the Audiovisual Heritage (2001) are reference texts that guide member states in promoting co-productions and in preserving Europe’s extensive heritage in moving images.

Eurimagesis the European Support Fund for the Co-Production and Distribution of Creative Cinematographic and Audiovisual Works, founded in 1988 as a partial agreement. It now has 34 participating countries and has contributed to over 1 100 co-productions that tell the many stories of Europe.

European Audiovisual ObservatorySet up by the Council of Europe in 1992 as a partial agreement, it fosters greater openness in the audiovisual sector in Europe and caters for the information needs of audiovisual professionals. The European Audiovisual Observatory has 37 members – 36 European states and the European Community, represented by the European Commission.

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resourcescultural

S TA K E S E X E M P L A R Y A C T I O N S

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D I r E C T O r AT E O F C U LT U r EA N D C U LT U r A L A N D N AT U r A L H E r I TA G E

Council of EuropeF-67075 Strasbourg Cedex

culturedoc@coe.int