The aim of the "Culture 2000" program is to promote
cultural dialogue between Member States, facilitating a common
space for the sharing of values and historical and cultural roots
while encouraging the comparison of diverse national and regional
situations. The program, which will be in effect from 2000 to
2004, provides for co-operation between all cultural operators,
both public and private, for the carrying out of projects on themes
of European interest. It offers incentives for reciprocal knowledge
and encourages cultural exchange among the various Member States.
One of the specific objectives of "Culture 2000" is
to contribute to official recognition of the role of culture in
the development of society, not only as a fundamental element
in social integration and cohesion but also as an economic factor.
This in the light of the new challenges that the Community is
facing, such as globalisation and the construction of a modern
information society.
The implementation of this ambitious program is entrusted to the
European Commission, assisted by a specific Committee which, in
2002 alone, examined and selected 224 projects (119 in the field
of the visual arts), with the participation of 28 countries.
Currently, given the enlargement of the Union, the Council is
discussing a proposal to extend the program to 2005-2006, with
a corresponding request for an increase in financial support (which
would amount to 69.5 M€ for the new two-year period).
