The Eastern Partnership Culture and Creativity Program was launched by the European Union to support the cultural and creative sectors’ contribution to sustainable humanitarian, social and economic development in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The three-year-old program will have a budget of €4.2 million, IPN reports.

“The five-year Program will reframe the debate on the 21st century concept of culture among state bodies and key cultural players in the region and promote an understanding of the positive impact creative industries can have on employment, small and medium businesses, the role of municipalities and social engagement," said Renate Utzschmid, Program Manager, EC Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations.

The Program will focus on four main areas, including research development of evidence-gathering mechanisms, capacity-building, raising awareness and providing opportunities for international cultural cooperation. The Program’s activities will be carried out through workshops, intensive training, online learning platforms, study visits and partnership fairs, bringing together public and private actors, government and civil society.

Following a competitive tendering process, the Program will be managed by a consortium led by the British Council, in partnership with the Soros Foundation Moldova, the National Centre for Culture of Poland and the Goethe-Institut. The Program builds on the Eastern Partnership Culture Program I (2011-2014) that consisted of technical assistance and grant-funded projects.