The Arts Council of Switzerland - Pro Helvetia, the Centre for Culture Management at the University of Basel and the Art Museum of the Canton of Thurgau are hosting a symposium entitled 'The professionalisation of culture – a blessing or a curse?' The symposium was initiated by Pro Helvetia as the conclusion to its "Kulturmobil" project which was officially concluded at the end of 2004, 20 years after its inception. When Pro Helvetia first launched "Kulturmobil" in 1984, its mission was the democratisation of culture, the aim being to enable the most diverse social groups to pursue cultural projects of their own, while, at the same time, providing support for cultural creativity in outlying regions. The symposium, to be held at the Carthusian Convent in Ittingen on 26 and 27 May 2005, will analyse the changes that have taken place in their cultural context and put them up for discussion. After reviewing the developments of the past few decades, the symposium will turn its attention to an assessment of the current situation and its potential for the future. The event will then close with a look at the future of arts and culture in Switzerland from various angles. For further information, CLICK HERE