Paivascapes #1 has obtained the recognition of the Council of Europe by the award of the CECEL label of European cultural merit. This label is given annually to a restricted number of European cultural events (only 3 in 2010, including Paivascapes #1) that, besides their exceptional and innovative cultural and artistic value, convey strong messages related to the Council of Europe’s mission and values and address key challenges of the European societies of today.
Paivascapes #1 is a program of artist residencies, educational activities, concerts, exhibitions and conferences fully dedicated to the river Paiva, which is taking place throughout 2010 and will culminate with a final event – The Sound Festival of River Paiva – that will happen from 4 to 8 March 2011. Paivascapes #1 includes the participation several national and international artists and thinkers and has the financial support of the Portuguese Ministry of Culture, the Gulbenkian Foundation, and the Arouca and Vila Nova de Paiva Municipalities.
The Council of Europe, based in Strasbourg (France), covers virtually the entire European continent, with its 47 member countries. Founded on 5 May 1949 by 10 countries, the Council of Europe seeks to develop throughout Europe common and democratic principles based on the European Convention on Human Rights and other reference texts on the protection of individuals. The specific goals of the Council of Europe are to protect human rights, pluralist democracy and the rule of law; to promote awareness and encourage the development of Europe’s cultural identity and diversity; to find common solutions to the challenges facing European society and to consolidate democratic stability in Europe by backing political, legislative and constitutional reform.
For additional information on Paivascapes #1, please access here the website fully dedicated to the project.