Architecture Architecture is recognised as an important element of European culture and of the environment in which Europeans live. The European Union's policies on architecture deal with the subject from a cultural and economic perspective: it is regarded not only as an art form and an aspect of cultural heritage but also as a service provided by professionals. International cultural cooperation The Union's action to promote the visual arts is not confined to its own territory. Most of the partnership agreements with third countries contain a cultural element. Under the Cotonou partnership, the Union helps to finance many events in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean in the plastic arts field. For example, it supports the Dakar Biennial Arts Festival and the Bamako Photography Biennial, as well as more modest but highly symbolic operations such as an exhibition of paintings by Dominican and Haitian artists, and a display of works by three Angolan, South African and Cuban visual artists, in Angola.

Cinema and audiovisual media Through its various programmes, the European Union's audiovisual policy addresses various aspects of cinema and audiovisual media: thanks to training for professionals, support for the production and distribution of works in Europe and third countries, maintenance of archives, regulations and education in the visual image, cinema and the audiovisual media are not only promoters of culture but also competitive industries which create jobs. Dance In its support for dance, the European Union emphasises the training of artists, the creation and dissemination of works, and the social role of dance. Education and training in the arts The European Union runs a variety of programmes to encourage Europeans of all ages to use the arts as a gateway to active involvement in cultural life. With this in mind, the EU promotes innovation in education and encourages cooperation between Europe's education and training institutions.

Books Expressing linguistic and cultural diversity, books are a key source of cultural enhancement and learning. Accordingly, the European Union actively supports books and reading, and takes the cultural dimension of books into account in its legislative activities. It also seeks to help European editors exploit the new methods of distributing literary works via digital technologies. Music Music is a constant accompaniment to the lives of Europeans, being a fundamental element of their heritage and culture. It is also a source of employment, with people working in this sector in Europe. In conclusions adopted on 18 December 1997, the Council drew attention to the cultural, social and economic significance of music, and called upon the Commission to encourage the composing and dissemination of music, and to help enhance the skills and mobility of music professionals.

Cultural heritage In 1974, the European Parliament adopted an initial resolution which recommended Community action in the cultural sphere,especially as regards the protection of the cultural heritage. Since 1993, the Treaty drawn up by the European Community has provided a legal basis specifically for activities concerning the preservation and enhancement of cultural heritage. Article 151 of the Treaty stipulates that the Community must support and supplement action by the Member States in order to conserve and safeguard cultural heritage of European significance. The action initially taken by the Community was limited to supporting the restoration of "built heritage", such as the Acropolis in Athens and the Chiado historic centre in Lisbon. Since then, the Community has taken action with regard to movable and immovable heritage (museums, collections, libraries and archives); archaeological and architectural heritage; natural heritage (landscapes and sites of natural interest); linguistic and gastronomic heritage, and traditional occupations. Community action of this kind deals with both the cultural and economic aspects of heritage.

Cultural heritage as a vehicle of cultural identity Cultural heritage is widely recognised across Europe as a vehicle of cultural identity. How much people know about cultural heritage depends both on what is done to promote it and also on the capacity of Europeans to become familiar with and appreciate their own culture and those of the other EU Member States. Cultural heritage as a factor in economic development Europe's cultural heritage is a precious asset in economic terms too. With this in mind, the Union is supporting projects in the field of vocational training, regional development and the use of digital content relating to culture. As a valuable resource shared by everyone, cultural heritage is protected at both national and European levels.

Theatre Theatre is one of the most important expressions of cultural life and democratic development, a fact recognised by the Council of Ministers in its Resolution of June 1991 on the development of theatre in Europe.Resolution of June 1991 The European Union promotes cultural cooperation in the field of performing arts, particularly the theatre, enabling EU citizens to gain a better understanding of European theatre as a whole. As part of its regional development activities, the Union provides support for projects aiming to set up and equip entertainment venues.regional development activities