COUNCIL RESOLUTION

of 25 July 1996

on access to culture for all

(96/C 242/01)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Whereas access to culture for citizens in an operational or user capacity is an essential condition for full participation in society,

Aware that, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, promotion of wider access to culture within the Member States is the principal responsability of the Member States,

Emphasizing that all cultures, in their diversity, must also be taken into account and respected,

Aware that geographical, physical, educational, social or economic obstacles may make it more difficult for many citizens to gain access to culture and may increase the incidence of exclusion, particularly among the less-favoured groups of the population,

Noting that knowledge of the conditions of access to culture should be improved and the obstacles thereto identified in order to improve participation in culture by all citizens,

Recognizing the advantages of exchanging information and experience relating to Community programmes,

Bearing in mind that action should be taken to ensure that access to culture is made easier for all citzens,

AGREES to encourage cooperation with the Council of Europe and Unesco, particularly through the interchange of experience in the area of access to culture,

CALLS UPON the Commission to:

- carry out a Europe-wide survey to ascertain more clearly the facts about access to culture and the needs felt by citizens, and, in particular, young people and those experiencing different forms of exclusion; this survey will be based on existing experience and statistics. It will help to target more accurately measures concerning access to culture for citizens within Community programmes,

- submit to the Council, by the end of 1997, the outcome of that survey in the form of a report on access to culture for all.