President Barroso supports the ‘we are more – act for culture in Europe’ campaign

“It is both exciting and encouraging for me to see such a strong grassroots mobilization of the European culture sector. I thank you for sharing your commitment – together, we are indeed more.”

José Manuel Barroso – President of the European Commission in video message at campaign launch.

“I am fully committed to strengthening EU support for the cultural and creative sectors in the new financial framework, and making this support as effective and relevant as possible to the sectors’ needs.”

Mrs. Androulla Vassiliou, the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth at joint press conference with Opera Europa/Reseo in connection with the European Opera Days 2011.

“Being part of Europe means accepting cultural differences while preserving our individuality: we are more than one country or one culture, we need to act to preserve our heritage and make our collective voice heard. This is the only way to outline a future that can revive Europe and its cultural and artistic role.”

Campaign Ambassador Gianna Nannini - Acclaimed Italian singer.

 

 

“Recently, cultural organisations in Europe started a campaign with a symbolic title: we are more.  We are indeed more than the sum of our parts. More than a mere sum of historic monuments and sites of Europe. More than the sum of jobs created in the cultural field. More than the sum of cultural “consumers” or heritage volunteers…. We are the soul and the spirit of Our Europe.

And no price should be too high to preserve this soul and this spirit. And to let it flourish, as a source of joy and inspiration, for the new generation of proud and responsible citizens, of Europe and indeed of the World.”

Maestro Placido Domingo, President of Europa Nostra, the Voice of cultural heritage in Europe. Photo Copyright Europa Nostra – European Heritage Awards Ceremony 2011 in Amsterdam

“In a world of increasing clichés, misunderstandings and intolerance, I believe this campaign is both timely and heartening. Culture, art and stories endow us with an alternative perspective, connecting us across countries and gently reminding us that imagination and empathy cannot be confined to national or religious frontiers.”

 Campaign Ambassador Elif Shafak – The most widely read female writer in Turkey

 

 

Campaign action during European Culture Forum 2011

During the first day of the European Culture Forum (20-21 Oct 2011) more than 200 cultural operators mobilised in the square in front of the venue to show their support to the campaign as well as the proposed tax on financial transactions for increased solidarity, participation and citizenship – for arts and culture – we are more, act for culture in Europe!

“Yes, we are MORE and we must definitely join forces! Thank you for this initiative that reminds us once more that we, as citizens, cultural entrepreneurs and artists, have more power than we consider to shape our future for the better.”

Derya Yuksek on the campaign blog

 “I hope your campaign will help provide the inspiration and resources people need to make the most of the potential of the arts to transform lives and communities”

David Richmond on the campaign blog

“I am convinced, that this is an initiative, that has to be supported by every single European involved in any type of cultural and art activities.”

Zoltan Marias on the campaign blog

“WE ARE MORE. I believe each citizen is a stakeholder, but they have to feel that they are entitled to participate, interact, educate and enjoy…“

Chakan Hislop on the campaign blog