Theme
We will explore the relations between various levels of cultural policy making: European, national, regional and local. How are they inter-connected? Who takes care of what? What policies are necessary at the various levels in order to coordinate and harmonize cultural
policy for the benefit of target audiences, cultural operators and artists organisations?

The Swedish government was recently presented with a major survey on national cultural policy. It re-defines the entire idea of cultural policy, from a Swedish, Nordic and European perspective. Using key European examples in contrast with Swedish initiatives, we will
discuss how the European dimension is integrated, or not, in national cultural policy, and how it filters across to regional and local governance, as well as the reverse.

Context
Sweden holds the Presidency of the EU during the second half of 2009. A re-invention of policy on the national level is one of the primary cultural-political points of the Swedish landscape at the moment. We would like to take this opportunity to bring together international experts and cultural policy makers - especially at the EU level - to examine together with us the possible repercussions of some of the proposals made. We want to examine how these cultural spheres inter-relate, and how these links may be strengthened.

It will also be an opportunity for the EU Commission to present its thoughts about EU cultural policy development. This event is a designed follow-up to the European Culture Forum, as well as an opportunity to discuss the Agenda for Culture.

Culture Action Europe is the primary European network for cultural policy development and the advancement of the supra-national structures and ethics. The network will deliver experts and active policy makers and bring together international guests with Swedish and Nordic participants.

Representatives from the local, regional and national policy-making spheres will attend, as well as cultural operators, institutions and journalists. It is a unique opportunity to bring culture to the forefront of the ongoing Swedish EU Presidency, and to raise the profile of
culture on all levels of governance.

Arranged by Intercult in collaboration with Culture Action Europe.

Contact
redesigning@intercult.se
+46 (0)8 644 10 23
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Intercult strives to make Sweden's cultural life work trans-nationally. www.intercult.se
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Culture Action Europe
is about how to make Europe work for the arts! Join us