“CultureWatchEurope” (CWE) is a unique platform of the Council of Europe for the presentation and exchange of information and good practice in the broad sectors of culture and cultural and natural heritage. Based on the Organisation’s fundamental principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, CWE offers an innovative and evidence-based understanding of culture, heritage and media developments in Europe.

The CultureWatchEurope information and exchange platform is value based, open, inclusive, accessible, responsive, aware: spotting developments, difficulties, solutions and good practices to enhance cultural governance and policy making Europe-wide, in a human rights driven perspective. Transparency, access and participation, respect for identity and diversity, intercultural dialogue and cultural rights are key words in this mission.

CWE promotes culture as “the soul of democracy” by advocating the importance of strong governance through transparency, access, and participation, and by respect for identity and diversity, intercultural dialogue and cultural rights.

Work Plan 2009-10

Following the creation of the joint “CultureWatchEurope” platform in spring 2009, a CWE Conference on ”Culture and development 20 years after the fall of communism” has taken place on 4-6 June 2009 in Krakow and has generated insights and recommendations for governments and other cultural stakeholders. CWE, in association with the European Audiovisual Observatory and Eurimages, has conducted a study of European film support structures which will result in a recommendation to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Follow-up action 2009/10 will include in-depth study of the impact of the current financial crisis on culture, including its effects on public institutions in CoE member states. Future work will reflect the priorities and approaches of diverse partners joining the CWE initiative.