The situation and the role of artists in the European Union

Rapporteur Helena VAZ DA SILVA (PPE, P) - The information society is causing a lot of changes for society as a whole and for artists in particular. It also changes the definitions of the arts and culture. Only 20% of artists in the EU earn a livelihood and only 4% to 5% have a successful career. The report highlights the problems facing by artists in Europe and the importance of mobility for their creativity and their work. It examines the employment situation of artists, their earnings, social security, taxation and artists' professional associations. The role of government as regards support or copyright and private sponsorship are also examined. Another key issue is the links between culture and education. The report calls on the different parties concerned (the Member States, the EU institutions, the artists themselves, art schools/colleges/universities) to collaborate in identifying ways of improving the integration of artists in society and enabling the arts and creativity to play a large enough role. The committee asks the Commission to include an exchange programme for young artists as part of the Culture Framework Programme and provide financial support to encourage mobility. This also applies to the LEONARDO, SOCRATES and PHARE Programmes. All amendments were adopted unanimously, many of them were tabled by the rapporteur herself. The principal amendments call on : - the Commission to draw up a proposal for possible new forms of funding; the arts at European level (e.g. with a lottery) ; - the Commission to create a European card for artists; - the Member States to coordinate their legislation on social and fiscal matters; - the Members States to provided premises and training opportunities for amateur artist' organisations; - and encourages local and regional authorities to provide work space for artists. �