31 March 1992

Doc. 6586

MOTION FOR A RECOMMENDATION

on a European prize for young writers and artists

presented by Mr ARNALDS and others

1.       The Assembly is concerned with the importance of promoting the best of what is being done in the fields of literature and arts, especially by young people, in the countries of Europe.

2.       With industrialisation and the development of contemporary entertainment, the fight for the public's attention is hard. Awarding prizes is a classical way of drawing the public's attention to what is of particular interest. Awards can thus enable the public to appreciate what is outstanding at any given time and be of direct and practical value to the development of the arts.

3.       The Council of Europe has shown great initiative in European cultural issues and should further strengthen and establish its leading role.

4.       The Assembly therefore recommends that the Committee of Ministers

i.       set up a European prize for young writers and artists, for example, under the age of 30. The prize should be awarded every year, by turns, for:

      a.       composition and musical performance,

      b.       poetry and fiction, drama and dance,

      c.       visual arts and architecture;

ii.       make an agreement between the member countries of the Council of Europe to hold an art festival every year in each of the member countries alternately. These festivals should feature the presentation of prizes and promote the prize-winning works of art. The cost should be met by the country in which the festival takes place.

Signed:       ARNALDS, Leni FISCHER, GRENDELMEIER, PARKANOVA, HAWLICEK, RYNNÄNEN, SARENS, PILARSKI, BAUMEL, ERR, PARRY, TUMMERS, MEZZAPESA, MALACHOWSKI, O'KEEFFE, CEM, ROMAN, ROSETA, LOPEZ HENARES, MATSIS, BERG, MÜLLER.