Doc. 9655

16 January 2003

The spirit of Europe in museums

Recommendation 1574 (2002)

Reply from the Committee of Ministers

adopted at the 823^rd meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies (9 January 2003)

1.       The Committee of Ministers has considered Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1574 (2002) on the spirit of Europe in museums. The Committee would like to underline the fact that the importance of museum co-operation at European level has always been highlighted through the various projects undertaken by the Council of Europe’s Directorate General in charge of cultural affairs.

2.       The Council of Europe series of art exhibitions aims at increasing knowledge and appreciation of European Art as one of the highest expressions of Europe's culture and common values. It highlights the unity as well as the diversity of European Art. The exhibitions of recent years have largely dealt with movements of people and ideas which have modeled Europe as we know it. The preparation and organisation of the exhibitions is in itself a fine example of European co-operation and mutual assistance in the fields of museums.

3.       Museums also play an important part in the implementation of the projects on “Managing an Open and Strategic Approach in Culture” (MOSAIC) and “Support for Transition in the Arts and Culture in Greater Europe” (STAGE) projects through the organisation of technical assistance in this field. A manual has also been published on "Arts organisations and their education programmes", in response to the necessity for cultural organisations to renew themselves to face the changing cultural and educational needs.

4.       The Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation was tabled at the 1st plenary session of the Steering Committee for Culture (9-11 October 2002). The CD-CULT will consider it in its future work. The importance of museum co-operation in Europe is fully recognised and finds expression in exchange and partnerships projects already under way and/or in the planning stage.