The conclusion of the Senior Officials on Culture Meeting organised by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus in the framework of the Cyprus Presidency is "yes": Effective, evidence-based culture policies can contribute to the global struggle for economic recovery and growth, with simultaneous benefits to society.

The meeting, held on 28 and 29 of August, focused on "Cultural governance in a globalising world: Better governance for the cultural and creative sector".

The Minister of Education and Culture of Cyprus, Mr. George Demosthenous, said that culture is an invaluable public good as a tool for development of political and social consciousness, and that it should be seen as an investment, not a cost.

http://www.cy2012.eu/index.php/en/news/press-release-evidence-based-cultural-policies-can-contribute-to-economic-and-social-development