Doc. 8857
6 October 2000

Promotion of art history in Europe

Motion for recommendation

presented by Mr Hadjidemetriou and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1. The recent Council of Europe art exhibitions on Gods and Heroes of the Bronze Age and on Europe in the Year 1000 have enabled comparisons to be made in European culture by bringing together key items from several countries.

2. In certain parts of Europe that have stood at cultural crossroads such comparison can be made on the spot, as in the islamic architecture of the south of Spain or in the co-existence of western and byzantine art in the basilicas of Ravenna and in the mountain churches of Cyprus.

3. In both cases understanding of the cultural processes is a complex process of historical research. Other no less important steps are the discovery and conservation of the heritage involved and education in its more general appreciation.

4. Appreciation of this diversity can lead to greater European understanding. Art can also be propaganda and can be a source of division and intolerance. These various processes should be appreciated.

5. The new member states of the Council of Europe offer an enormous wealth of cultural treasures. This offer should not be squandered nor its value debased. The richest of our countries can still learn from those with what might appear to be the poorest in cultural achievement. Those countries richer in economic terms can also give vital assistance at this stage to the poorer.

6. A great advance has been made across Europe in public awareness of the cultural heritage through the “Europe, a common heritage” campaign. It is important to capitalise on this interest by increased educational action.

7. The Assembly calls on the Committee of Ministers to investigate ways of promoting the history of art in terms of research and education and including the development of network activities

8. The Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers encourage member states

i.       to ensure that university courses in the history of art and related disciplines are introduced or maintained at least at regional level

ii.       to assure an introduction to the history of art at some stage in the basic core school curriculum

iii.       to encourage the tourist industry to associate art historians in the preparation of itineraries and enable foreign, trained professional guides to accompany tourist groups in liaison with local guides.

9. Clearly the media, conservation non–governmental organisations and the tourist industry are concerned. The Assembly believes they should be directly involved and will take steps (by way of a separate resolution) to do so.

Signed : ¹

Hadjidemetriou, Cyprus, SOC

Browne, Ireland, LDR

Cryer, United Kingdom, SOC

de Puig, Spain, SOC

Kalkan, Turkey, EDG

Kofod-Svendsen, Denmark, EPP/CD

Lupu, Romania, EPP/CD

McNamara, United Kingdom, SOC

O’Hara, United Kingdom, SOC

Pavlidis, Greece, EPP/CD

Pop, Romania, LDR

Roseta, Portugal, EPP/CD

Saglam, Turkey, EPP/CD

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group