10th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers of Culture: 'Governance of Culture - Promoting Access to Culture'

15 April 2013, Russia

The concept of democratic governance in culture deserves to be a major theme of the Council of Europe Conference of Ministers of Culture as does the notion of "access to culture". What interrelation exists between access to culture and participation in cultural life and the enhancement of democracy? What are the new challenges for governments and their Ministers of Culture in promoting access to and participation in cultural life in times when European societies are facing multiple social and economic changes? Who takes part in what culture, by which means and with what impact? How can we help develop well integrated cohesive societies through culture therefore contributing to democratic stability and deep security in Europe.

The 10th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers of Culture on "Governance of Culture – Promoting Access to Culture" will highlight the added value of culture as an important resource for genuine democracies and fuller participation of citizens. It will point out innovative approaches to take on the new challenges of today’s society in the field of cultural governance, policy and practice.

The conference will also study perspectives, opportunities and challenges for the Council of Europe as the pan-European intergovernmental forum on culture and laboratory of democratic governance, and in doing so, will also suggest ways to increase effective co-operation in the cultural field with international organisations such as UNESCO, the European Union and other international organisations.

During the three consecutive sessions participants will further develop and exchange on the following sub-themes:

  •  SESSION 1: ROLE OF GOVERNMENTS: NEW CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
  • SESSION 2: BEST PRACTICES AND POLICY INNOVATION
  • SESSION 3: PERSPECTIVES FOR THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS

Register here by 15 March 2013.

If needed, you may contact the Council of Europe Democratic Governance Directorate at the following e-mail address: [email protected].