The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage was launched in 2002 by the European Commission as part of the implementation of the Culture Programme. Europa Nostra, the Pan-European Federation for Cultural Heritage, was selected to run this Awards Scheme on the basis of its long experience in publicly recognising - on a European level - individual or joint excellence in the field of Cultural Heritage.

The EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards are granted annually to identify and promote best practices in the conservation of tangible cultural heritage, to stimulate the exchange of knowledge and experience throughout Europe, to enhance public awareness and appreciation of Europe's cultural heritage, and to encourage further exemplary initiatives through the Power of Example.

Outstanding heritage achievements will be awarded in the following categories:

1. Conservation
2. Research
3. Dedicated Service by Individuals or Organisations
4. Education, Training and Awareness-Raising

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.

Criteria for the assessment of entries include excellence in the work executed and preliminary research conducted, as well as respect for artistic, cultural and social value, setting, authenticity and integrity. Special attention will also be paid to sustainability, interpretation and presentation, educational work, funding and management, and social responsibility. Entries can be on a scale ranging from small to large, local to international, and should display a standard of work considered outstanding in a European context.

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 

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.

For more information, please contact

Sander van der Ven
Heritage Awards Coordinator
Europa Nostra
awards [a] europanostra.org
+31 70 302 40 59