European Cultural Foundation

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The European Cultural Foundation, ECF, is an independent, non-national and pan-European foundation.

Its mission is to add a cultural and human dimension to the economic, technical and legal processes of European integration. The Foundation develops programmes to encourage respect for cultural diversity.

[edit] History

The ECF was founded in 1954 by the Swiss Philosopher Denis de Rougemont Ito to ‘promote cultural and educational activities and research of a multinational nature and European character'.

Its first president was Robert Schuman. In 1960 the foundation's headquarter was moved from Geneva to Amsterdam.

[edit] Activities

The ECF promotes artistic and cultural activities in Europe and across its borders as a contribution to civil society through

Grants
- The ECF is awarding grants to artists and others in the cultural sector for projects that are clearly European in nature.
Programmes
- Art for Social Change - brings artists and young people together
- Policies for Culture - strengthen the cultural sector in South East Europe
- One Minutes Junior - one-minute video project for young people
- New European Deal - journalistic exchange and cooperation
Cultural policy development
- The ECF is lobbying for a European cultural policy and for funds, programmes and tools to stimulate cultural cooperation within the ‘Wider Europe’ and across the Mediterranean.