New EU Programme for Culture and Creativity Launched for Eastern Partnership Region

A new EU programme for culture and creativity has been launched for the Eastern Partnership region, the British Council announced today.

The Eastern Partnership Culture and Creativity Programme was launched in June by the European Union to support the cultural and creative sectors’ contribution to sustainable humanitarian, social and economic development in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

"The five-year Programme will reframe the debate on the 21st century concept of culture among state bodies and key cultural players in the region and promote an understanding of the positive impact creative industries can have on employment, small and medium businesses, the role of municipalities and social engagement," said Renate Utzschmid, Programme Manager, EC Directorate-General Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations.

"Although a regional programme, it will be heavily country-focused with designated professional country coordinators," stated today's press release.

The programme’s activities will be carried out through workshops, intensive training, online learning platforms, study visits and partnership fairs, bringing together public and private actors, government and civil society.

The programme, the budget of which is €4,2 million, will be managed by a consortium led by the British Council, in partnership with the Soros Foundation Moldova, the National Centre for Culture of Poland and the Goethe-Institut. 

More on this story, plus an interview with the British Council Director and the Programme Coordinator in this Friday's edition of Georgia Today.