Artswave is run under the Interreg 111A programme which covers the South East of Ireland and West Wales and runs from 2000 to June 2008
The programme aims to promote the sustainable development of the Interreg area through an integrated approach to economic, social and environmental development in ways which involve and benefit local communities. This is achieved by drawing together the people from both regions through a range of economic, social and environmental activities.
Culture and Tourism are natural areas for co-operation within the INTERREG IIIA Programme. Culture and the recognition of its importance was enshrined in Article 128 in the original Treaty of Rome. The underlying premise for the INTERREG Programme is that ‘national borders should not be a barrier to the balanced development and integration of the European territory’. This can be achieved by breaking down these barriers, both physical and cultural ‘by strengthening co-operation to the mutual advantage of border areas’. The recognition of the region’s shared culture and heritage is inherent to our sound basis for co-operation and understanding. Fostering continued co-operation through the enhancement and sustainable development of culture, heritage and tourism remains a high priority within the Measure, thereby contributing to the economic, social and environmental development of the INTERREG region. Heritage, culture and the arts are core values of tourism and will be used to generate additional economic benefits.
The Interreg Programme will continue after 2008 with the emergence of Interreg 4A, bringing new opportunities to develop the culture and heritage between these two Celtic regions.
