The importance and dynamics of theatre and spectacle arts in the enlarged Europe

The European Parliament adopted a resolution based on the own-initiative report by Genevieve FRAISSE (EUL/NGL, France) on the performing arts. (Please refer to the document dated 11/07/02.) Parliament stated that the development of a European area of the performing arts presupposes the following specific objectives: -supporting the mobility of those working in the performing arts through additional information and technical and financial assistance; -facilitating a wider dissemination of productions through aid for translation, subtitles for dramatic works and support for European festivals; -promoting public information campaigns in respect of the performing arts; -developing vocational training for performers, technicians and others to enable them to benefit from the European dimension of their occupation. The review of the Culture 2000 programme should result in a better distribution of the budget so that there is a specific annual budget to the performing arts, fine arts, heritage, translation and reading. Parliament pointed out that East and West share a common past and future. Enlargement is a matter of renewing old ties in this respect. The strong Central and East European traditions in theatre, choreography, circus and music, backed up by a high standard of training and the heritage of a substantial network of cultural institutions will enable the sector to consolidate its position. Co-operation in this field may contribute to the success of enlargement and public support for the European project.�