Implementation of SDC’s Culture Percent (Culture %) in the Western Balkans

Projet terminé

In the Western Balkans, artistic expression and cooperation between cultural actors have proven to be powerful instruments for supporting processes linked to democratisation. Among these are intercultural dialogue, mutual tolerance, social cohesion and even economic development. By contributing to the Balkans Arts and Cultural Fund (BAC), set up by the European Cultural Foundation (ECF), SDC supports independent cultural work as important agent in fostering inclusive, democratic and prosperous societies in the region.

Pays/région Thème Période Budget
Balkans occidentaux
Culture / sensibilisation por le développement
Autre
Culture & loisirs
Secteur non spécifié
01.09.2014 - 31.12.2016
CHF 1'590'000
Contexte

Artists and cultural practitioners have played an important role in transition and democratisation processes since the end of the Balkans wars in 1999 –also supported by SDC. The creativity of independent cultural actors can today be observed in a wide range of productions. However culture is not top on national support agendas in the WB countries, due to lack of political commitment for independent cultural work, and to scarce resources for the development of necessary structures and capacities. The vibrant and innovative cultural scene is still very dependent on the support by international donors.

Presently, the Balkans Arts and Cultural Fund (BAC), established by ECF is the only support programme which promotes independent artistic productions and which fosters the development of effective structures and policies at national and regional levels in the Western Balkans. BAC provides not just means for production; it also enhances cultural work as a driver for socio-economic development, cross-border cooperation, and democratisation.

 

Objectifs

Fostering inclusive, democratic and prosperous societies in the Western Balkans by strengthening the independent cultural sector, encouraging regional collaboration and integration.

Effets à moyen terme

1)    Actors of independent cultural work are strengthened in their role to foster democratic processes and socio-economic development; they receive stronger recognition in their societies.

2)    Independent cultural actors are supported to perform their work within fields of creativity (including music, visual arts, theatre, dance, film, multimedia, photography and design), to stimulate them in communal and cross-border activities for safeguarding cultural diversity, as well as for further enhancing social cohesion.

3)    Key actors within WB’s cultural sectors are enabled to lead constructive debates which result in conductive policies and support programmes for cultural work in the countries as well as at regional level.

 

Résultats

Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

BAC builds upon results achieved by the Swiss Cultural Programme (SCP), implemented in South Eastern Europe, form 1999 to 2012. Thus, the contribution to BAC by SDC’s Culture % in the Western Balkans is following the same line of SCP’s significant results in this region. SCP was one of the most effective programme for cultural promotion, also following underlying objectives of human, social and economic development. Over 3’000 projects have been implemented in supporting innovative artistic creation, promoting cultural diversity and building up spaces for “living together again” after the Balkan wars. SCP enabled to build up entire new art fields (contemporary dance, visual arts, community culture), mainly through national and regional networks. SCP has also contributed to develop culture support policies in the WB countries, although the way is still long; it has been widely recognised as reliable and professional partner in the respective dialogue. ArtAngle, the BAC implementer, is an organisation, founded by the former SCP team; ArtAngle can follow to work across the already established and validated relations to key partners.


Direction/office fédéral responsable DDC
Crédit Coopération avec l'Europe de l'Est
Partenaire de projet Partenaire contractuel
ONG internationale ou étrangère
  • Other international or foreign NGO North


Budget Phase en cours Budget de la Suisse CHF   1'590'000 Budget suisse déjà attribué CHF   628'995
Phases du projet

Phase 1 01.09.2014 - 31.12.2016   (Completed)