ARTS AND CULTURE ORGANISATIONS CAN NOW APPLY TO THE CULTURAL PROTECTION FUND
Fund will aim to protect and conserve cultural sites around the world
The UK’s new £30million Cultural Protection Fund is now open to arts, culture and heritage organisations. Potential applicants can find more details on how to apply to the Fund here: https://www.britishcouncil.org/arts/about/cultural-protection-fund-2016-2020
Managed by the British Council – the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations – in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Fund aims to foster, safeguard and promote cultural heritage overseas.
The Fund will provide grants to organisations to support vital work on protecting cultural heritage in countries in the Middle East and North Africa region including Syria, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, and Tunisia. Eligible organisations who are successful in applying to the Fund will work in partnership with bodies in these countries to:
- · Ensure cultural heritage under threat is researched, documented, conserved and restored to safeguard against permanent loss
- · Help build the capacity of local professionals and ensure they have sufficient business or specialist skills to manage & promote cultural assets which will benefit the local economy
- · Through education and advocacy programmes, help local people to identify and value cultural heritage and have a good understanding of what can be done to protect their cultural heritage and the role it plays in society and the economy.
The Fund is a key part of the British Council’s work in Culture and Development overseas, which focuses on ambitious, artistic and creative initiatives that foster social cohesion, freedom of expression, inclusive institutions, dynamic communities, and improved social and economic well-being.
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport John Whittingdale said:
"Cultural property is of huge importance and helps people better understand their shared history. At a time when some of the world's most important heritage assets are under threat, this fund, together with our ratification of the Hague Convention, will help us protect cultural heritage in the Middle East and North Africa.
"I urge organisations with an interest in this area to consider putting in a bid for funding. Limiting the human costs of global conflicts will always be our priority, however this investment will give vital support for countries where cultural heritage is at risk.”
British Council Chief Executive, Sir Ciarán Devane, said:
“The academic and research sectors in the UK have a wealth of skills and expertise which are vital to protecting cultural heritage across the globe. The intrinsic value of cultural heritage is immeasurable. I look forward to seeing the projects and partnerships which are developed as a result of the Fund.
On Thursday 19 May 2016 the DCMS introduced the Cultural Property Bill into the House of Lords, which will ratify the 1954 Hague Convention to protect cultural property at risk due to conflict and accede to its two Protocols. This Bill will make the UK the first permanent member of the Security Council to have ratified both the Convention and its two Protocols.