Barcelona City Council and Interarts Foundation, in collaboration with The United Nations Committee on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights Barcelona – Spain Friday November 15 2002 – Saturday November 16 2002 This seminar follows on from a seminar held in Manila (Philippines) in February 2002 that was convened by the Chairperson of the United Nations Committee on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights (UNCSECR) and UNESCO to consider the drafting of a general comment on the ‘right to take part in cultural life’ (proposed in Article 15(1)(a) of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights). The complexities in drafting such a general comment prompted participants to agree to a number of follow-up initiatives, including the need to explore the views of cultural policy-makers, especially at a local level. Attendees at the Manila meeting agreed to meet again to assess progress, continue discussions and, if appropriate, establish new points in the agenda. A framework document, 'Cultural Rights in the City', has been drafted for the City of Barcelona and is currently under debate. The document and its consultation process will be presented at the meeting on 15-16 November. It is hoped that the seminar will consolidate lines of research and prompt ongoing debate about the right to take part in cultural life. The seminar does not have a website. For further information, contact:interarts@interarts.net