|
|
|
T +33(0)388412560 www.coe.int [email protected] |
|
Ref. DC 144(2016) European Heritage Days 2016: Celebrating the people behind the places Strasbourg. 12.09.2016 - As custodians of local traditions, histories and values, Heritage Communities are the living transmission of Europe’s cultural richness. Under the pan-European theme of “Heritage and Communities”, this year’s European Heritage Days’ events will bring together 50 European countries in a celebration of citizens’ roles in promoting and sharing common European heritage. Throughout the Continent, more than 50 000 national and local events will celebrate Europe’s true treasure – its communities and the people behind the places. Museums, galleries, historic archives and libraries will be brought into the spotlight to encourage active participation in heritage conservation and interpretation. "Communities have a vital role in preserving and managing their cultural heritage. Each of them has its unique history and tradition, and this year's theme "Heritage and Communities" is a great opportunity to discover and promote this uniqueness and to raise awareness of how cultural heritage can be further developed. I am glad that the many events planned during the European Heritage Days offer European citizens, once again, the opportunity to explore, share and celebrate their heritage. Especially in the run-up to the European Year of Cultural Heritage, planned for 2018, this can further help all of us to fully appreciate the immense richness of European cultures and identities,” said Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. This year’s theme focuses on the role of people as carriers and inheritors of cultural heritage and highlights an important aspect of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (known as “Faro Convention”) which recognises inter-relationships of people and their environments as critical for heritage research, interpretation and conservation initiatives. Focusing on the people whose work and knowledge help make a positive impact on European culture and heritage, the European Heritage Days provide a unique prism for interpreting our shared values. As the most widely celebrated cultural event in Europe, the European Heritage Days have a challenging task of finding new ways to engage millions of people in heritage exploration. “Creating a climate which stimulates an appreciation of the rich mosaic of European cultures has led to a passionate community of people working together to encourage inclusive societies in Europe and beyond its national borders. Today, the European Heritage Days can be considered an essential instrument for fostering a tangible experience of European culture and history, in addition to raising the public’s awareness about the many values of our common heritage and the continuous need for its protection.” said Snežana Samardžić-Marković, Director General of Democracy, Council of Europe. About European Heritage Days Celebrated in 50 signatory States to the European Cultural Convention, European Heritage Days highlight the diversity of local skills, traditions, architectural styles and works of art that constitute shared European Heritage. Launched in 1985 in France, the festival has been organised as a joint initiative of the European Union and the Council of Europe since 1999. Enabling citizens to explore a wide range of cultural assets through a number of themed events organised for free, European Heritage Days help uncover hidden histories of people and places that have helped shaping the culture and heritage of Europe. In 2016, over 30 countries will participate in the programme celebrating “Heritage Communities” as carriers of cultural identity and heritage protection strategies. The events will take place till October, when local skills, crafts and traditions will be put into focus at cultural events all over Europe. The aim is to increase understanding of a shared European past, encourage appreciation of traditional values and inspire new heritage conservation and education initiatives. To find out more European Heritage Days Portal: www.europeanheritagedays.com The EHD and the Council of Europe: European Heritage Days The EHH and the European Commission: European Heritage Days Facebook: www.facebook.com/EHDays Twitter: @JEP_EHD Contact : Giuseppe Zaffuto, Spokesperson/Press officer, Tel.+33 3 90 21 56 04 |
