The European Council of Artists representing interdisciplinary artists’ councils and artists’ associations in 24 European countries considers the EU Convention a useful attempt to cope with the imbalance between economic integration and the obvious deficiencies in other sectors of common interest within the union. ECA strongly advocates the cultural dimension of this process to be acknowledged and stressed in the documents of the Convention.
The principle of subsidiarity, though under discussion, considers art and culture to be national tasks. This, however, does not prevent us from observing the European realities, be it the harmonisation of Intellectual Property Rights or the social challenge of so many cultural traditions and values under one framework in the light of integration and enlargement of the EU. Tasks like these are European questions.
As Europe must not be perceived only in terms of efficiency and delivery, as the alienation between the decision makers and the general public increases, a functioning civil society, education and the rich variety of cultural and artistic expression are fundamental pillars of a slowly emerging sense of belonging. They are the best instruments against irresponsible populism and false national pride that has nothing to do with a positive concept of cultural diversity (or - as mentioned on the occasion of a recent ECA-conference -: If Europe wants to avoid the danger of cultural clashes and social crises it must begin to ask what it wants to become).
Functioning spaces for cultural and artistic expression and dissemination are an integral part of a European vision, networks and organisations promoting these ideas and a European awareness in national cultural policies are essential and must be supported on the basis of long term funding.
As a consequence the following are central issues to be dealt with:
- Strengthening article 151 of the Amsterdam Treaty, especially § 4: cultural implications of other community actions and promotion of cultural diversity
- Strong public service broadcasting committed to quality, diversity and democracy
- Freedom of expression as a result of true pluralism (e. g. effective cartel laws to avoid media conglomerates of overwhelming size)
- Strengthening Artists’ and Performers’ Rights (e.g. facilitating free movement and a just harmonisation of qualification and social conditions)
The recognition of the artists’ contributions to the cultural world should be aimed at. ECA is prepared to contribute more thoroughly to the Convention process and looks forward to being involved in the respective dialogues.
ECA Executive Committee, Copenhagen, 7th of September 2002