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Towards a European Cultural Policy
In May 2007 the European Commission presented a document with ideas “on a European agenda for culture in a globalizing world” (10.5.2005 COM (2007) 242 Final). In this document the Commission suggested, that a European dimension on cultural policy through out the union should be concentrated to three strategic areas:
- Promotion of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue
- Promotion of culture as a catalyst for creativity in the framework of the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs
- Promotion of culture as a vital element in the Union's international relations
The Commission also recommended that in order to make progress the member states considered to use the open method of coordination (OMC) where the Commission has seen good results in using this method as foundation for policy development in other areas.
After considerations in the Parliament and in the Council of Regions the European Council in November transformed the suggestions from the Commission in to a resolution (2007/C 287/01).
In Mars the Commission through the GD for Education and Culture invited organisations from the cultural civil society to express their interest in participating in structured dialogue with the European Commission about the cultural policy. The dialogue is structured in three platforms, one for each of the above mentioned strategic areas, thus formulated as:
- Intercultural dialogue
- Access to culture
- Culture and creative industries
About the cultural platform on Access to culture the Commission wrote:
“Many ways can be explored to foster a wider access to and participation in cultural activities:
promotion of cultural heritage with a view to improving public access to different forms of cultural and linguistic expressions, increased synergies between culture and education (in particular art education), wider digitization of cultural content and the use of Internet, reinforcement of cultural tourism, promotion of the access of youngsters or the search for new audiences, implementation of various projects aiming to boost the demand such as free access, vouchers, etc. These are just examples; the list is by no way exhaustive.”
The relation between culture and education is important from many perspectives – not least place management, regional development and lifelong learning.
On a mandate from The Association of European Open Air Museums Henrik Zipsane has expressed interest in the cultural platform on Access to Culture and was invited to participate together with representatives from 33 different European organisations from cultural sectors – ranging from theatre to authors and from festivals to museums and libraries.
The platform on Access to culture have organised itself with a board:
- Mercedes Giovinazzo, Interarts Foundation (chair)
- Kathrin Deventer, European Festivals Association
- Mary Ann Devlieg, International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts
- Sabine Frank, Culture Action Europe
- Henrik Zipsane, The Association of European Open Air Museums
Within the platform different working groups was formed and Henrik Zipsane is coordinating the working group on “Learning and Access to Culture”.
The platform on Access to culture shall present examples of best practice and recommendations for strategies and suggestions for actions to the Commission in March 2009.
Östersund July 31st 2008
Henrik Zipsane
Director, Dr.
Jamtli
The Region of Jämtland