Support for European Culture

In order to meet the objectives of the Programme, this call for proposals aims to award operating grants to co-finance expenditure associated with the permanent work programme of bodies pursuing an aim of general European interest in the field of culture or an objective forming part of the European Union's policy in this area.

The general objective of the Programme is to help to enhance the cultural area shared by Europeans and based on a common cultural heritage, through the development of cultural cooperation between the creators, cultural players and cultural institutions of the countries taking part in the Programme, with a view to encouraging the emergence of European citizenship.

The Programme is inspired by a global vision covering the whole of the cultural sector and promoting synergies.

The main objectives of projects should be:

• to promote the transnational mobility of cultural players;
• to encourage the transnational circulation of artistic and cultural works and products; and
• to encourage intercultural dialogue.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Bodies must have a real European dimension. In this respect, they must carry out their activities at a European level, on their own or in the form of various coordinated associations, and their structure (registered members) and their activities must have an influence throughout the European Union or cover at least seven countries participating in the Programme.

Eligible applicants must be non-profit-making bodies with legal status which have been in existence for at least two years, pursuing an aim of general European interest in the field of culture or an objective forming part of the European Union's policy in this area. These bodies must have their registered offices in one of the countries taking part in the Programme

The total budget available for the scheme is €4.8 million and projects will receive 80% of their total projects costs with a minimum grant of €75,000, up to a maximum of €600,000.

The deadline for submitting applications is 22 December 2006

For more information visit the Education, Audiovisual & Culture Executive Agency website:

http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/static/en/culture/call062006/index.htm

The Commission’s proposal relating to the Culture programme has not yet been formally adopted by the European legislature. Nevertheless, to enable prompt implementation of this programme after the adoption of its legal basis by the European legislature, which should take place soon, and to enable potential beneficiaries of Community grants to prepare their proposals as soon as possible, the Commission has decided to publish this call for proposals.

This call for proposals does not legally bind the Commission. It may be cancelled and calls for proposals with different specifications may be issued, with appropriate reply periods, if there is a substantial change in the legal basis by the European legislature. This call for proposals is conditional on the final agreement of the programme in the coming weeks.