European Heritage Days 2019: “Arts and Entertainment”
Strasbourg, 9 August 2019
The European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Commission since 1999, are the most widely celebrated participatory cultural events shared by the inhabitants and visitors of Europe. The pan-European nature of this project contributes to bringing citizens together and highlighting the European dimension of cultural heritage in the 50 signatory States of the European Cultural Convention. Over 70 000 events are organised every year in order to help raise awareness of the value of this common heritage and the need for its conservation for present and future generations. In celebration of some of our oldest traditions, this year’s edition (#EHDs) will shine a spotlight on Europe’s rich “Arts and Entertainment” heritage.
An extensive and varied programme, taking place from August to October across the participating countries, will include festive events and festivals, exhibitions, craft workshops, conferences, tours, and many other activities. From street shows to concert halls, traditional theatres and museums to cinema and social media, the entertainment heritage of Europe will play out on local, national and European stages.
The aim of the European Heritage Days is to raise awareness of heritage, both tangible and intangible, which has helped to shape people’s culture throughout history, thus promoting understanding of the past to better shape the future. Heritage is about objects and places, and the meanings and uses that people attach to them and the values they represent. The European Heritage Days develop and strengthen a feeling of belonging and of responsibility for heritage, underlining the relevance of human rights and democracy.
“The European Heritage Days, launched by the Council of Europe in 1985, are a concrete example of upholding the values of culture and heritage on our Continent, which are crucial if human rights and the rule of law are to flourish. They are an occasion to encourage public participation as an act of democratic citizenship, reinforcing a common shared identity at regional, national and European levels. The Council of Europe is dedicated to its commitment for a sustainable development that maintains and protects local heritage, enhances the environment and also associates young Europeans with conservation and restoration projects”, declared Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
“The European Heritage Days are a great opportunity for European citizens to connect with their cultural heritage. They are an important element of the European Framework for Action that I presented last December to ensure that the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage has an impact in the long term. As heritage is so fundamental to our societies and to linking our past with our future, it needs to have its place at the heart of citizens’ daily lives. The European Heritage Days have an important role in bringing it right there”, said Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.
More information
European Heritage Days Portal: www.europeanheritagedays.com
Council of Europe: European Heritage Days
European Commission: European Heritage Days
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EHDays
Twitter: @JEP_EHD #EHDs
Instagram: @europeanheritagedays #EHDs #JEP
Press contact : Giuseppe Zaffuto, Spokesperson/Media officer, Tel. +33 3 90 21 56 04
