Malta joins EU culture programme

The government and the European Commission yesterday signed an agreement for Malta to start participating in the European Union's Culture 2000 programme.

Malta is already participating in other European programmes, including Leonardo da Vinci, Socrates and Youth. It is also participating in the Sixth Framework research programme.

The government said the financing for Malta's full participation in Culture 2000 would be shared equally with the EU. However, it would be completely financed by the EU once membership is attained.

The government said Culture 2000 would offer new opportunities for musicians, actors, painters, sculptors and writers.

Everybody involved in the Maltese cultural field would be able to work in joint projects with their peers in other EU member states and they would be able to receive financing for their projects.

The government said that Maltese artists last year already had the opportunity to participate in works financed by the EU.

"Malta's participation in Culture 2000 will offer new opportunities for Maltese artists to work hand in hand with other European artists," the government said.

Culture 2000 is a Community programme with a total budget of €167 million.

This financial instrument grants support for cultural cooperation projects in all artistic and cultural sectors including performing arts, visual and plastic arts, literature, heritage and cultural history.

The objectives of the programme are the promotion of a common cultural area characterised by both cultural diversity and a common cultural heritage.

Culture 2000 seeks to encourage creativity and mobility, public access to culture, the dissemination of art and culture, inter-cultural dialogue and knowledge of the history of the peoples of Europe. The programme also views culture as playing a role in social integration and socio-economic development.

Maltese artists who want more information about Culture 2000 may contact the European Union Programmes Unit at the Ministry of Education.