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The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards were jointly launched in 2002 by the European Commission and Europa Nostra, in the framework of the Commission’s Culture Programme to celebrate outstanding initiatives among the many facets of Europe's cultural heritage in categories ranging from the restoration of buildings and their adaptation to new uses, to urban and rural landscape rehabilitation, archaeological site interpretations, and care for art collections. Also awarded are prizes for research, dedicated service to heritage conservation by individuals or organisations and, for the first time in 2008, education projects related to cultural heritage.
This Awards Scheme aims to promote high standards and high-quality skills in conservation practice, and to stimulate the trans-frontier exchanges in the area of heritage. By spreading the 'Power of Example', the Prize also aims to encourage further efforts and projects related to heritage throughout Europe.
Exemplary heritage achievements in Europe are awarded in the following four categories:
Category 1: CONSERVATION
Outstanding achievements in the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage in the following areas:
- Single buildings or groups of buildings in rural or urban setting.
- Industrial and engineering structures and sites.
- Cultural landscapes: historic parks and gardens, larger areas of designed landscape, or areas of cultural, environmental ad/or agricultural significance.
- Archaeological sites, including underwater archaeology.
- Works of art and collections: collections of artistic and historic significance or old works of art.
Category 2: RESEARCH
Outstanding research which leads to tangible effects in the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage in Europe in any of the above-mentioned Category 1 areas.
Category 3: DEDICATED SERVICE by INDIVIDUALS or ORGANISATIONS
Open to individuals or organisations whose contributions over a long period of time demonstrate excellence in the protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage (relating to the above-mentioned Category 1 areas) in Europe. The contribution should be of a standard which would be considered outstanding in the European context.
Category 4: EDUCATION, TRAINING and AWARENESS-RAISING
Outstanding initiatives related to heritage education, training schemes in cultural heritage conservation, and programmes for raising awareness on cultural heritage.
The EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards consist of two award levels. Up to six entries will be awarded a Prize, which includes a monetary award of € 10 000. Up to twenty-five entries will be awarded a Medal.
