Culture 2000 is the European Union's funding program specifically aimed at arts and culture, released on August 19. The objective of Culture 2000 is to promote a common cultural area characterised by its cultural diversity and shared cultural heritage. It seeks to encourage cultural creation and mobility, access to culture for all, the dissemination of art and culture, intercultural dialogue and knowledge of the history of the European peoples. It also accords culture a social integration and socio-economic development role. In 2004, the priority sector will be cultural heritage, which includes movable and immovable heritage, immaterial heritage, historical archives, libraries, archaeological and underwater heritage, cultural sites and cultural landscapes. It includes a call for applications for Community financial support for cultural projects and events beginning in the year 2004 and presented by cultural operators from the 30 countries participating in the program. For further information, CLICK HERE.