The promotion of the theatre and music in the European Community

The European Parliament,

-having regard to the Communication from the Commission of the European Communities of 17 December 1987 on a fresh boost for culture in the European Community COM(87) 0603/2,

-having regard to its resolutions

-of 8 March 1976 on a European Community Youth OrchestraOJ No. C 79, 05.04.1976, p. 8,

-of 10 February 1988 on the teaching and promotion of music in the European CommunityOJ No. C 68, 14.03.1988, p. 46,

-of 20 May 1988 on setting up a European Community Youth OperaOJ No. C 167, 27.06.1988, p. 461,

-having regard to the conclusions of the Council and of the Ministers responsible for Cultural Affairs meeting within the Council of 27 May 1988 concerning future priority actions in the cultural fieldOJ No. C 197, 27.07.1988, P. 2,

having regard to the Communication from the Commission of the European Communities of 25 October 1990 on vocational training in the arts fieldCOM(90) 0472 ,

having regard to the motions for resolutions by:

Mr Kostopoulos on the setting up of an institute entitled 'The European Stage' to promote and propagate the art of the theatre in Europe in order to foster cultural understanding amongst the peoples of Europe through theatrical tradition (B3-0438/90),

Mr Kostopoulos on aid for the Greek branch of the International Institute of Mediterranean Theatre (B3-1100/90),

Mrs Diez de Rivera Icaza and Mr Coimbra Martins on harmonizing the status of musical studies in the EC (B3-1383/90),

Mr Moretti on the introduction of a Community aid programme for European theatrical associations (B3-2144/90)

having regard to the conclusions of the Ministers responsible for Cultural Affairs meeting within the Council of 7 June 1991,

having delegated the power of decision, pursuant to Rule 37 of its Rules of Procedure, to the Committee on Youth, Culture, Education, the Media and Sport,

having regard to the report of the Committee on Youth, Culture, Education, the Media and Sport (A3-0262/91),

whereas the importance of theatre is a proven factor in increasing mutual understanding between nations and reconciling feelings of national identity with the feeling of belonging to Europe,

whereas there is a need for measures to develop and protect the cultural diversity of Europe,

whereas radio and television are known to have a multiplier effect and could therefore make a major contribution to the dissemination of theatre and music in the Community.

whereas European music has represented and still represents a genuine 'common' language in Europe and can therefore make a vital contribution to the vision of Europe,

whereas music can play a role in our society by breaking down political, social, cultural and geographical barriers and bridging the generation gap,

whereas there is a need to foster a cultural dialogue between the Community and the other countries of Europe,

whereas it is opportune to establish collaboration in the musical and theatrical fields with the Council of Europe as well as with european theatrical and musical professional bodies,

whereas the European Community Youth Orchestra (ECYO), funded with the encouragement of the European Parliament, has achieved a worldwide reputation for the excellence of its performances as well as contributing to the professional training and subsequent employment of young musicians,

convinced that many works of European play writers are only shown in their home countries due to the difficulties found in their translation,

whereas there may be a need to introduce a whole range of theatrical initiatives, namely: theatres for women, theatres for children, theatres for young people, theatres for the disabled, experimental theatres, street theatres, puppet theatres and pantomimes,

whereas ERASMUS and other exchanges should be extended to professionals of the theatre (set designers, producers, actors, directors, etc.),

whereas there is a need to develop professional training in the theatrical and musical fields,

whereas small, local theatrical and musical groups should be encouraged,

whereas theatrical companies from all the European States, should be encouraged to perform in countries other than their own.

whereas the diversity and richness of culture within the European Community should be encouraged, giving priority to networking training projects for the young;

Expresses its support for the conclusions drawn by the Council of Ministers for Cultural Affairs meeting on 7 June 1991 and hopes that they will soon be put into practice;

Considers that the Commission should, as a matter of priority:

progressively increase the funds earmarked for musical and theatrical cooperative projects and ventures;

develop university student and professional exchanges in the musical and theatrical fields along the lines laid down by the ERASMUS programme and in accordance with its resolution of 10 September 1991 on cultural relations between the European Community and the countries of Eastern Europe;See Minutes of that Sitting, Part II, Item 3

promote professional training at European level in the musical and theatrical fields by means of exchanges, workshops, training schemes and other initiatives;

take effective measures to promote the translation of works, giving due attention to the translation of European theatrical works, in order to facilitate the translation of European theatrical plays and their access to radio and television under the MEDIA programme;

finance ventures (for example, the European Community Youth Orchestra and the European Baroque Orchestra), and competitions between young European musicians and composers (along the line of the Chigiana Academy (Siena) initiative for music in Europe), within the framework of projects already launched, and support new initiatives such as 'La Mortella' (Ischia, Italy) which are aiming to achieve a Community dimension;

promote experimental projects and competitions, with a view to setting up a European theatrical cooperation network along the lines laid down by the European Theatre Convention, European Theatre Today and the Union of Theatres of Europe;

Considers that such assistance should also be extended to works by representatives of cultural minorities.

Stresses the importance of the information exchanges at regional, national and European levels in the theatrical and musical fields;

Stresses the importance of upgrading this sector by means of an effective policy of support and information linked to festivals, organized events and performances by the great names of the European theatrical and musical tradition;

Supports the Italian proposal for a European Theatre Year in 1993 and calls upon the Council to adopt it;

Considers that progress in this area should be examined in the medium term, on the basis of a report to be drawn up by the Commission;

Calls on the Commission to continue its non-financial support to the initiative of "Concerts for Europe", promoted by the RAI, to encourage joint musical activities between Eastern and Central Europe and the European Community, particularly for young musicians;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, to the Commission and to the governments of the Member States.