Celebrating European cultural diversity: The ECF Princess Margriet Award - a joint initiative of the Dutch government and the European Cultural Foundation 14 May 2007 The European Cultural Foundation (ECF) is delighted to introduce a new award in special recognition of outstanding contributions to cultural diversity in Europe. The ECF Princess Margriet Award celebrates the work of the ECF's outgoing President, who has been at the ECF's helm for 24 years, and recently handed over the Presidency to her niece, HRH Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands. The award was announced by the Dutch Minister for Culture, Ronald Plasterk, at the Stadsschouwburg, Amsterdam, on Saturday 12 May, at a festive reception hosted by the ECF, to publicly say farewell to HRH Princess Margriet and welcome the new ECF President, HRH Princess Laurentien. The award has been made possible through the generosity of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and will be organised by the ECF. HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands said: 'We now see clashes of cultures and civilisations - not only between different regions of the world but within our own societies. Diversity is viewed with suspicion, as a threat to identity. But the reality is that cultural diversity is one of Europe's key assets, perhaps its most valuable attribute.' Gottfried Wagner, Director, ECF said: 'The award is a most apt culmination to the work of our previous President, HRH Princess Margriet of the Netherlands. Through her encouragement the ECF has made cultural diversity the focus of all its activities. Indeed, we believe that cultural diversity is a resource. At the ECF, we want to see artistic creation and cooperation turn challenging experiences into creative encounter. And we seek to contribute to a political culture in Europe that is built on mutual respect for diversity. The award will not just be a mark of achievement, but we hope that it will encourage and stimulate further the bigger debate around the importance of culture and the benefit to Europe as a whole. Over the years, the ECF has played a significant role in fostering cultural diversity through its work, particularly in relation to the European integration process. For example, we originated the Erasmus Programme for academic exchange; our grants programme has funded thousands of artistic projects which have enabled cross-border cultural co-operation, and we have initiated a series of think-tanks which have brought together cultural operators and artists from many different areas of Europe.' The ECF is one of Europe's leading cultural foundations, and its only truly independent European one. The ECF stimulates and promotes cultural cooperation and strong cultural policies across the broader Europe and its neighbouring regions. Along with many partner organisations, the ECF strives to give culture a stronger voice and presence on the European political stage. Applications for the award will be invited from outstanding creators and intellectuals, cultural operators and organisations - for works and projects which set European standards of discourse and cultural practice regarding cultural diversity. The first award ceremony will be take place in Brussels in 2008, the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Questions and Answers When will the ECF be inviting applications? The first awards will be given in 2008, the Year of Intercultural Dialogue. We will be inviting applications from autumn 2007 How much is the award - will it be a variable amount? We have an annual amount to award of $50,000 per year over 4 years Will the award be by open application? We will put out a special call Who will be on the awards committee? As well as the Chair, it will comprise international experts who will be nominated by the ECF and the two Ministries involved. Is the award an annual event? a one-off? No, the first period covers 2008 -2011. There will be an annual awards ceremony. Why is this award important? It will: . give recognition to leading individuals and organisations who are working in the wider Europe on cultural diversity . promote, give weight to, and show that cultural diversity is one of the most significant factors in the European integration process. . demonstrate Dutch engagement in European cultural affairs, e.g. by supporting the independent European Cultural Foundation... NOTE TO EDITORS The ECF is an independent foundation and was established in 1954 by among others, Denis de Rougemont. We use our resources to give grants and run programmes in support of cultural cooperation; and to assist the development of cultural policies that help integrate Europe and its diverse societies. Our advocacy on behalf of Europe's cultural sector is built solidly on reflection and practice. Our activities are many and varied. They include supporting cultural and artistic mobility, offering young people media platforms for their inspiring creativity and opinions, and through providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on European cultural cooperation http://www.labforculture.org Based in Amsterdam, with a small, dedicated staff team, and guided by an international Board and Advisory Council, the ECF is supported financially by income from the Dutch lotteries (Bank Giro and The Lotto) and sponsorship income. To sign up for our regular monthly newsletter go to: http://www.eurocult.org

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